AAP

The Australian dollar is weaker as the US Federal Reserve begins its two-day meeting on monetary policy.

US stocks have finished mostly lower ahead of a closely watched Federal Reserve policy announcement, while the Nasdaq rose on news of a potential new Apple television venture.

Oil prices have fallen as traders expected a key US stockpiles report to show another increase to a new record high.

Gold has fallen to a four-month low in volatile dealings, on investor jitters ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting that may offer further clues to support expectations of a mid-2015 rise in US interest rates.

Woodside Petroleum plans to resume production at its Pluto LNG operations after a nearby drifting drill rig was secured.

More evidence another interest rate cut is just around the corner has helped drive the Australian share market higher.

The corporate watchdog is threatening to come down hard on payday lenders as a report shows the industry remains rife with questionable lending practices.

The federal government wants to give business four additional ways to cut carbon emissions under its direct action policy.

The Reserve Bank of Australia says it may need to take a razor to interest rates again as Australia's economic outlook continues to deteriorate.

James Packer's Crown Resorts is seeking to raise around $400 million through an issue of subordinated notes to help fund developments.

The Australian share market is stronger in the wake of a solid lead from United States markets.

BHP Billiton is promoting its spin-off company South32 as a diversified business with high quality assets, sufficient cash flow to support healthy dividends and a strong balance sheet able to fund new investments.

The Australian dollar is marginally weaker as disappointing American factory data dents the greenback ahead of the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting.

US stocks have ploughed higher as the US dollar retreated and the market looked ahead to a Federal Reserve policy decision in the next two days.

US oil prices have sunk to a six-year low after a report by the oil cartel OPEC pointed to a continued petroleum supply glut.

Gold has fallen, trading just above its lowest level in more than three months, due to stronger European shares and expectations that this week's Federal Reserve meeting could hint at the timing of any hike in US interest rates.

Gold has fallen, trading just above its lowest level in more than three months, due to stronger European shares and expectations that this week's Federal Reserve meeting could hint at the timing of any hike in US interest rates.

A sharp fall in oil prices and low iron ore prices have weighed on energy and mining stocks and sent the share market lower.

The share market has started the week on the backfoot as cautious investors sit on the sidelines in the lead up to this week's US Federal Reserve meeting.

The Australian dollar is weaker as a decline in American consumer confidence fails to stop the greenback from rising against the euro.

Mining giant Rio Tinto's tax bill has increased to $A6.2 billion despite weaker commodity prices.

Gold has pared early gains, on track to break a nine-day streak lower despite the US dollar's extended rally as the precious metal market appeared reluctant to extend losses ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting next week.

Woodside Petroleum has been forced to halt production at its Pluto LNG plant in the Carnarvon Basin after a cyclone detached a nearby drilling rig.

The share market has been dragged lower by the big banks and miners, while internet provider TPG Telecom shone due to its $1.4 billion takeover deal with iiNet.

Rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has almost doubled its half-year loss as it looks to cut more costs in a difficult market.

Cyclone Olwyn passed over Barrow Island last night but left in its wake controversy over safety on the island, with unions criticising preparations for the cyclone, which hit one day after a worker

The share market is lower, with falls in all sectors, despite a strong lead from Wall Street.

The Australian dollar is firmer after an unexpected dip in American retail sales dented the greenback.

Crude-oil prices fell as traders focused on rising US stockpiles amid a global supply glut.

Wall Street stocks have snapped a two-day losing streak, surging after big US banks cleared Federal Reserve stress tests and the dollar retreated from a 12-year high.

Gold has steadied as a retreat in the US dollar from 12-year highs arrested its eight-session slide, although speculation that US interest rates could rise sooner rather than later kept prices under pressure.

The share market has enjoyed its best gains in almost a month due to jobs figures that were good, but not too good to scuttle an expected Reserve Bank rate cut.