AAP

US stocks have posted solid gains following a big jump in US existing-home sales and a mixed bag of earnings reports from Boeing, McDonald's and others.

The Australian dollar has managed to hold on to most of Wednesday's gains following stronger-than-expected inflation data.

US oil prices have fallen after weekly US petroleum data showed higher crude inventories but marginally lower production.

Gold has fallen to its lowest level in more than a week, suffering its sharpest single session loss in more than six weeks after a report showed strong US home sales in March, raising expectations for a June US Federal Reserve interest rate hike.

Australian shares have closed lower as investors reduce their expectations of a May interest rate cut.

Fortescue Metals Group has suffered its second credit rating downgrade in a week due to the impact of low iron ore prices.

A bill to authorise the Western Australian government borrowing $8 billion has left the state opposition "thoroughly depressed".

The price of consumer goods and services rose 0.1 per cent in Western Australia and 0.2 per cent nationally in the March quarter, fuelling expectations of an interest rate cut in May.

BHP Billiton has deferred planned capital spending to improve its operations at Port Hedland harbour, after better-than-expected performance from its existing assets enabled the mining giant to lift its production guidance for the current financial year.

The share market is flat as investors react with disappointment to BHP Billiton's production forecasts.

The Australian dollar has clawed back some of Tuesday's losses, making its way above 77 US cents during a quiet overnight trading session.

Gold have risen past chart resistance, recouping most of the previous session's losses in choppy, currency-driven trade after the US dollar turned lower and bolstered bullion's appeal.

US stocks have mostly fallen but the Nasdaq stayed in positive territory as Israel's Teva announced a $US40.1 billion ($A51.92 billion) cash-and-stock bid for generic drug maker Mylan.

Oil prices have fallen as the Saudi-led coalition announced an end to its military strikes in Yemen.

Atlas Iron has asked for an extension to its share trading suspension as it continues carrying out a review and talking with creditors and contractors.

The share market has closed higher as positive offshore leads outweighed concerns about the local economy.

Construction giant Leighton Holdings insists its history is not being overlooked despite changing its name amid allegations of foreign corruption.

Oil Search has suffered a slump in first quarter revenue because of weaker oil prices and lower production.

Rio Tinto's iron ore shipments have fallen 12 per cent during the March quarter, a period when it was largely blamed for oversupplying and pushing down the price of Australia's top export.

The Australian share market has opened strongly higher.

The Australian dollar has been knocked almost one US cent lower amid a stronger greenback and signals from the head of the Reserve Bank that another rate cut is possible.

Gold has fallen below $US1,200 an ounce as equities rallied and the US dollar steadied, while traders assessed China's new policy measures to shore up the world's second-largest economy and risks that Greece may default.

US stocks have risen sharply on the latest Chinese stimulus measures and some prominent earnings that bested forecasts.

Oil prices have traded mixed after China slashed bank reserves requirements to get credit flowing more easily in the world's largest energy consumer.

The Australian stock market closed weaker, with most sectors in the red after heavy sell-offs on overseas markets.

Streaming service Quickflix says the launch of rival Netflix has sparked interest in the industry and helped it attract thousands of new customers.

The state government has launched a major review of the Fiona Stanley Hospital after international service company Serco lost its contract to provide sterilisation work at the new facility.

Mining and metals group Arrium lost almost $9 for every tonne of iron ore it shipped during the first three months of 2015.

Rail and port operator Asciano's chief executive John Mullen is predicting stronger profit growth this year and says the underlying Australian economy is still strong.

Copper and gold miner Oz Minerals is on the hunt for acquisitions as part of a major restructure.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

Gold has pared gains after data showing US consumer prices rose in March tempered speculation the Federal Reserve will delay its first interest rate rise in nearly a decade.