AAP

After enjoying some pre-Christmas price cheer, shoppers are in for a shock in the new year.

Australian stocks have tumbled lower following an overnight rout of commodities and heavy falls on markets in Europe and the US.

US stocks have tanked on worries about the eurozone and low oil prices as the euro hit a nine-year low against the US dollar and US crude slid below $US50 a barrel.

US oil prices have slipped below $US50 a barrel for the first time in more than five years as the surging US dollar and news of additional supplies extended a six-month rout.

The Australian dollar is hovering below 81 US cents, having staged a recovery after reaching five-and-a-half year lows.

Gold futures have jumped to a three-week high as investors turn to the asset for safety amid a steep sell-off in stocks, oil, copper and other risk markets.

Farmers and Labor are on the same side when it comes to broadening the GST to fresh food.

The Australian share market has started the first full week of trading in the new year by finishing marginally higher.

Four additional fixed speed cameras will be installed in Perth as part of a state government plan to reduce the number of deaths on Western Australian roads.

Australian stocks are higher amid mixed leads from overseas markets.

Wall Street stocks have finished the first trading day of the new year little-changed following lacklustre US economic data and with many market participants still on holiday.

The Australian dollar has dropped to its lowest level in almost five years.

Gold prices have gained, as investors swoop in to take advantage of a dollar-wrought dip in the metal's price.

Downward pressure on prices for oil and iron ore have helped pull back the Australian share market after four days of gains.

Telstra has dramatically increased its presence in Asia with a long awaited major acquisition.

The Australian share market was lower in early trade despite gains in overseas markets overnight.

Gold prices fell to their lowest level in nearly a month Monday, as gains in the stock market drew funds away from the precious metal.

The S&P 500 stock index has risen to fresh records, another positive day for global equity markets still cheered by last week's US Federal Reserve meeting.

The Australian dollar is lower, following falls in commodity prices and as the US dollar continues to gain strength.

World oil prices have resumed their downward trajectory following comments from key Middle Eastern oil producers that they have no plans to cut output.

A rebound in commodity prices has helped push the Australian share market nearly two per cent higher.

Spain's Ferrovial Services has ended talks on taking over project manager Transfield Services after its latest offer was rejected.

Two of Perth's top radio stations are under new ownership after Fairfax Media sold 96FM for $78 million and merged its other national radio assets, including 6PR, with Macquarie Radio Network.

Coles will pay $11.25 million in fines and costs but could end up paying more than double that refunding its suppliers, after a court agreed to the supermarket giant's settlement with the competition watchdog.

The Australian stockmarket has opened higher, boosted by gains in commodity prices.

US stocks went from famine to feast this week, starting out fearful of crashing oil prices and finishing it with a "Santa Claus rally".

The Australian dollar is lower amid expectations that the US Federal Reserve will increase its interest rate sooner that most people are expecting.

Gold prices rose Friday, buoyed by comments from the Federal Reserve earlier in the week that suggested the central bank is in no hurry to raise US interest rates from rock-bottom levels.

Incitec Pivot has warned shareholders of a challenging future, as it deals with a weak cycle for the mining sector and a looming jump in manufacturing costs.

Quickflix is going cap in hand to its customers for money after shareholders snubbed the online streaming service's latest capital raising.

A "Santa Claus rally" has driven the share market to its strongest session in almost 18 months.

Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos has resigned from the ministry today, and the decision is expected to trigger a ministerial reshuffle.