AAP

Wall Street stocks have dropped on a bruising day for global markets following a disappointing US retail sales report and a weak global economic forecast from the World Bank.

Disappointing US retail sales numbers have given the Australian dollar a lift above 81 US cents.

Gold prices have stuck to the highest level in two-and-a-half months, even as investors sell the metal to take profits on recent gains and cover bets in other markets.

US oil prices have shot up more than five per cent in a move attributed to bargain-hunting after the contract sank to a new multi-year low the prior day.

Shares closed lower for a third straight day as further falls in commodity prices sparked investor nerves.

Harvey Norman shares have gained as much as 9 per cent amid frenzied buying activity for the retail giant.

Troubled gold miner St Barbara has risked collapse but says its fortunes are improving after lifting production in the December quarter.

A gas valve at a fracking site in the Kimberley region was deliberately damaged, a preliminary investigation has found.

The Australian sharemarket has opened lower following a weak lead from the US and lower iron ore prices.

Wall Street stocks have closed modestly lower as worries about sliding crude oil prices overshadowed a strong unofficial start to earnings season by Alcoa.

The Australian dollar is treading water as investors await the release of highly-anticipated jobs figures on Thursday.

Gold prices have hit their highest level in two-and-a-half months, as investors grow concerned that a shaky global economy will stymie the Federal Reserve's plans to raise US interest rates later in 2015.

Oil prices have slipped towards nearly six-year lows after OPEC officials underscored the cartel's resolve to not cut output despite a supply glut and plunging prices.

Shareholders in Australia's largest oil and gas producer Woodside Petroleum are set to pocket smaller dividends this year if oil prices remain weak.

Falling oil prices have again weighed on the share market, although positive Chinese trade data helped to erase some of the damage.

Strong migration and a sluggish economy mean it's going to become harder for Australians to find jobs.

The poor, indigenous people and women will be the hardest hit by plans to cut the welfare payments of fine defaulters and send them to jail for longer.

Investment in wind energy has ground to a halt because of uncertainty over the renewable energy target, experts say.

The Australian sharemarket has opened lower following another slide in oil prices overnight.

US stocks have opened a busy week of corporate earnings sharply lower as oil prices slumped to fresh multi-year lows.

The Australian dollar has slipped almost one US cent lower amid increasing speculation that the local currency may reach parity with its Kiwi counterpart.

Gold prices have risen to their highest level in more than two months, as investors seek shelter amid concerns of falling oil prices and political uncertainty in Europe.

Europe's oil benchmark has closed below $US50 a barrel for the first time in six years after a leading investment bank predicted the commodity would sink even lower in coming months.

More jobs are being advertised but it won't be enough to stem Australia's rising unemployment rate, economists say.

The share market has closed lower as oil prices continue to fall.

A third of Australia's small and medium-sized businesses plan to cut jobs over the next 12 months as they lose confidence in the economy.

Woodside Petroleum is looking to take advantage of India's growing demand for liquid natural gas after agreeing to partner with conglomerate Adani Group.

The Australian sharemarket has opened lower following weak leads from the US and Europe.

Wall Street stocks have opened lower after a government report showed strong US jobs growth in December, but weak wage levels.

Gold prices have risen, as US jobs data from December showed weak growth in wages, bolstering the case for the Federal Reserve to be cautious in raising rates in 2015.

Surprisingly soft US wages growth figures have given the Australian dollar a boost above the 82 US cent level.

France's Hopman Cup title hopes are still alive after Alize Cornet fought out an epic three-sets win over world No.5 Agnieszka Radwanska at Perth Arena today.