AAP

Gold prices have eased as the euro slid sharply against the US dollar, and as stock markets rallied on hopes that Greece would reach a deal with its creditors to stave off default.

Oil prices have climbed lifted by expectations of a further decline in US inventories and positive data in the eurozone that could signal stronger demand.

US stocks scored modest gains amid positive US and eurozone data as investors kept a wait-and-see attitude on Greece's potential debt deal.

The Australian dollar has nudged lower against a firmer greenback following the release of positive US housing data and comments from the US Federal Reserve.

Australian shares notched up a third consecutive day of gains on global optimism about the Greek government striking a debt bailout deal to avoid leaving the eurozone.

The state government has stopped funding the only part of its shark hazard mitigation strategy that makes sense, the state opposition and Greens say.

Federal Labor has agreed to back what it once labelled Tony Abbott's bowser bandit tax by reversing its opposition to indexation of the fuel excise.

Alcoa has been directed to improve its asbestos management procedures after workers were potentially exposed to it at two refineries in Western Australia.

The Australian share market is higher after overseas markets gained ground of the back of optimism that Greece won't default on its debt obligations.

The Nasdaq has ploughed to a fresh record as US stock markets followed European equity markets higher on increased optimism for a deal that could avert a Greek default.

Oil prices have risen modestly as dealers focus on hopes for a Greek bailout deal and a possible return of Iranian supplies to an oversupplied global market.

The Australian dollar is weaker after some upbeat US economic data and as the focus for global markets stayed on Greece's debt talks.

Gold prices fell more than one per cent as global equities jumped on possible signs of progress in Greek debt talks, which curbed safe-haven demand for the metal.

The Australian market recovered from early falls to start the week with small gains, raising hopes that the recent sell-off might have ended.

Shares in 3D Medical have soared on news its 3D-printed jaw joint had been successfully used in corrective surgery.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher against a softer greenback as global focus remains on the stalemate over Greece's debt negotiations.

The Australian share market has closed higher, recovering its losses from Thursday.

Workers in a light industrial area in Perth's south have been left shaken after a 35-year-old truck driver was crushed by his vehicle's loading ramp.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

Oil prices have risen modestly, lifted by a weaker dollar that makes dollar-priced crude less expensive.

Gold rose above $US1,200 an ounce on Thursday, its biggest increase in almost a month, as the US dollar slid the day after the Federal Reserve indicated that interest rates may rise more slowly than many had expected.

The Nasdaq has powered to a fresh record, easily topping the prior all-time high in a broad rally that withstood signs that a Greek debt default could be moving closer.

The Australian dollar hit a one month high, buoyed by weakness in the US dollar and stronger gold and iron ore prices.

It is known on financial markets as witching hour, and it was blamed for a surprise 1.3 per cent fall in Australian shares on Thursday.

More than 37,000 Cash Converters customers who claimed they were charged excessive interest on short-term loans will get refunds after a multi-million dollar class action was settled out of court.

The federal government plans to use $800 million previously earmarked for Queensland infrastructure to develop Western Australia and Northern Territory projects as well.

A damning report detailing corruption in the state authority tasked with prosecuting such misconduct is a reminder of the importance of oversight, an upper house MP says.

Member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan has accused the federal and Western Australian governments of trying to prevent scrutiny of the $1.6 billion Perth Freight Link.

The Australian share market has opened lower following falls in metals and oil prices overnight.

Oil prices in New York have dipped following a mixed US petroleum supply report that showed lower crude supplies but a rise in petrol stocks.

Gold prices turned higher after the Federal Reserve said the US economy is likely to be strong enough to support an interest rate increase by the end of 2015.