AAP

Gold has risen one per cent to above $US1,200 an ounce, as the US dollar turned weak late in the session after weaker-than-expected US economic data, while stronger US and European stocks limited the metal's upside.

US oil prices have shot up to a 2015 peak after a slight dip in US oil production sparked talk that the glutted petroleum market could be turning.

A rally in petroleum-linked equities have helped lift US stocks following mixed earnings and economic data.

Weaker banking stocks have outweighed a rise in iron ore prices and driven the share market lower.

China's economy expanded 7 per cent year on year in the first quarter, slumping to a new post-global financial crisis low even as authorities take steps to bolster growth in the world's second-largest economy.

A commitment by Prime Minister Tony Abbott has done little to allay uncertainty about the extent of a promised tax cut to small business.

will front the FFA appeals process tonight in their bid to buy more time as they attempt to win back their spot in the A-League finals.

Gold and copper miner PanAust has rejected a state owned Chinese company's $1.1 billion takeover bid, describing the offer as inadequate.

The Australian economy is not particularly innovative and the government could do more to encourage the use of information and communications technology, a global report says.

Queensland should not suffer financially because Western Australia cannot manage its books, the deputy premier says.

The Australian share market has opened slightly higher, following gains on Wall Street.

Gold cut losses on Tuesday, as the dollar turned lower after US retail sales and producer prices data came in weaker than expected, but prices remained below $US1,200 an ounce on higher equities.

The Australian dollar is higher against a weaker US dollar following the release of some disappointing American economic data.

Wall Street stocks have finished mostly higher following mixed corporate earnings news and slightly disappointing US retail sales in March.

Global oil prices have risen for the fourth straight day, with US prices jumping after a government report predicted a drop in US shale-oil production.

Western Australia is at risk of another ratings downgrade by a global credit agency, as it battles budget deficits amid slumping mining royalties.

The share market has closed lower due to falls by miners, the big banks, retailers and Telstra.

Joe Hockey's day started with the "immense honour" of ringing the bell to end another trading session at the New York Stock Exchange, but that was as good as it got for the federal treasurer.

The Australian share market has opened lower, following falls on Wall Street.

Gold dropped for a fourth session in five as the US dollar firmed, backed by expectations the Federal Reserve may be on course to raise US interest rates soon.

The Australian dollar hit its lowest level in almost two weeks following the release of disappointing Chinese trade figures.

US markets have sagged ahead of the take-off of first-quarter-earnings season, with traders hedging their bets after last week's solid gains.

World oil prices have modestly extended last week's gains in cautious trade as investors digest news of another rise in US crude oil inventories in an abundantly supplied global market.

Disappointing Chinese trade numbers have dented big mining stocks and caused the share market to retreat from its brush with seven year highs.

Freezing Western Australia's GST share for one year is better than nothing but still grossly inadequate, state Treasurer Mike Nahan says.

Former mining magnate Nathan Tinkler has secured a job as an adviser to nickel explorer Rumble Resources as he steps up his return to the resources sector.

Oz Minerals plans to release the outcome of a company-wide review later in April as it looks to cut costs following a downturn in commodity prices.

Seven Group Holdings has announced that Ryan Stokes, the 38-year-old son of company chairman Kerry Stokes, will replace Don Voelte as chief executive.

The Australian share market has opened higher.

Gold has risen as chart levels were broken, but was still heading for its first weekly fall in four weeks, pressured by a stronger greenback and renewed expectations for a US rate rise this year.

The Australian dollar is lower, coming under pressure from a stronger US dollar and the release of weaker local housing data last week.

The share market has closed higher as weaker than expected figures on home lending renewed expectations of an interest rate cut.