AAP

Gold prices are higher, buoyed by the weak US dollar ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting.

The Australian dollar is higher, supported by a small rise in gold prices, and as the greenback weakened following the release of disappointing US economic data.

US stocks have dropped as worry about a Greek debt default more than offset a positive reaction to big deals in the pharmaceuticals and homebuilder sectors.

The Australian share market regained most of its losses from early in the session but still closed slightly lower as investors fretted over the continuing Greek debt saga.

Arrium will investigate selling its iron ore and steel businesses to try and fix its balance sheet, as the debt-laden group announced new impairments that take this year's total to $1.6 billion.

Grocery wholesaler Metcash will sell its automotive business to Burson Group for $275 million and cut food and grocery prices, as it struggles to compete with the major supermarkets.

Foxtel will take a 15 per cent stake in Network Ten after the two broadcasters signed a long awaited deal to bolster the third-placed free to air TV network.

Amcom Telecommunications shareholders have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a $1.2 billion tie-up with rival Vocus, defying TPG Telecom's attempts to block the deal.

Small businesses will get a tax cut from July after the Senate passed a budget package with little debate.

Average stamp duty costs have surged by up to a staggering 800 per cent in the past 20 years, a new analysis shows.

The Australian share market has opened lower, following falls in overseas stocks and metals prices on Friday.

Gold prices inched lower, shrugging off the slightly weaker US dollar, lower equity markets and uncertainty over the Greek debt crisis.

The Australian dollar is higher despite concerns over Greek debt as traders await a speech from the Reserve Bank of Australia on Monday.

Clients of failed stockbroking firm BBY face losses of $10 million and the company may have been trading while insolvent since mid-2014, its administrators say.

The Australian share market has closed lower as commodity prices fall and investors sit on their hands.

The average house price in Perth dropped 2.7 per cent in the March quarter to $535,000, while the national average climbed to almost $660,000.

The Australian share market has had a flat opening as falls in commodity prices offset a positive lead from Wall Street.

Gold prices are lower, ending a three-day winning streak, as global stock markets and the US dollar rose following some strong US economic data.

Oil prices have retreated after two days of gains as the International Energy Agency predicted that a recent surge in world crude demand was set to end.

Wall Street stocks have risen after a solid US retail sales report suggested American consumers are gaining confidence after a sluggish first quarter.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after the US dollar strengthened in overnight trade following the release of better than expected US economic data.

Surprisingly strong jobs figures and positive overseas news has fuelled the share market's strongest session in almost seven weeks.

Pilbara miner BC Iron is making the final repayment on a major loan 18 months early as it works to improve its balance sheet.

Mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have suffered credit rating downgrades but analysts say the move is unlikely to affect the company's ability to borrow.

The Australian share market has opened higher following a strong lead from Wall Street.

Gold prices rose for a third straight session, bolstered by a softer US dollar and worries over the Greek debt crisis.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after the US dollar weakened in overnight trade following bullish comments from Japan's central bank governor.

Oil prices have risen rose solidly for a second day in a row after US data showed declines in crude and gasoline inventories.

The Dow has jumped more than 1.3 per cent as a broad-based rally led by technology and banking shares snapped a week of anaemic trade in US equity markets.

Tony Abbott reckons it's hard to pay a Sydney mortgage, even on a cabinet minister's pay packet, one day after Treasurer Joe Hockey said Sydney housing was affordable and advised potential first home buyers to get "a good job that pays good money".

The Australian share market has ended a six-day losing streak, buoyed by resources and banking stocks.

Ambulance ramping will be banned at three Perth tertiary hospitals from July 1 to cut down on patient waiting time.