AAP

Oil prices have declined on scepticism that an OPEC meeting later this month will result in action to address mounting supplies.

The Australian dollar is firmer as traders move past the Reserve Bank governor's comments on rates staying low and focus on the US Federal Reserve.

Gold prices have closed at their highest level in nearly three weeks, spurred by a drop in the US dollar and tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The share market closed weaker despite its early gains, with falls posted across all sectors.

Agribusiness Ruralco has nearly doubled its annual profit and hopes much-needed rain will start falling to help farmers in some states struggling with drought.

Former Fraser government minister Reginald ‘Toecutter’ Withers has died in Perth, aged 90.

Mining groups fear standards could slip at Australian mines if Chinese companies are allowed to bring in their own workers.

The uranium industry is hoping to make trial shipments to India next year.

The Reserve Bank of Australia could slash its interest rate to just 1.5 per cent within a year amid weak consumer confidence and rising unemployment.

The Australian stock market has opened higher following a flat lead from the US.

Huge takeovers in the oil and pharmaceutical sectors helped lift the S&P 500 to a record Monday, while the Dow fell shy of a new mark.

Oil prices have dipped on news that Japan slipped back into recession and scepticism that OPEC will reach a deal to cut output.

The Australian dollar is weaker as a free trade deal with China encourages profit taking.

Gold prices have ended lower as a stronger US dollar edges out investors' worries about tensions between Russia and the West.

Mining giant Rio Tinto will hold talks with China's Sinosteel Corporation to extend a joint venture iron ore project in the Pilbara.

Australian farmers and dairy processors will get a better deal than their New Zealand counterparts under a free trade agreement with China, the federal government says.

The share market has closed weaker as a rising US dollar, sputtering Japanese economy and pending changes for the financial system weigh on investor sentiment.

Former National Australia Bank boss Cameron Clyne took home almost $6 million during his last 10 months in the job.

Financial Services Council chief John Brogden says a China trade agreement is not enough on its own to open the Chinese market for Australian fund managers.

Agribusiness Elders says there's a long way to go before it sees any benefit from Australia's $18 billion free trade agreement with China.

The competition regulator wants the National Broadband Network to be split into three parts before it's privatised.

The Australian sharemarket has opened flat as weakness in banking stocks offsets gains from the resources sector.

Gold and silver prices have risen to a two-week high as a rush by investors to cover bets on lower prices accelerated a rebound in both markets.

A multibillion dollar free trade agreement with China is a game changer that the Abbott government believes will supercharge the Australian economy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 each repeatedly broke all-time records over the past week.

The Australian dollar is stronger against the greenback and has reached a seven-year high against the Japanese yen.

More than 8,000 Glencore coal workers will be forced to take annual leave as the mining giant shuts down its Australian coal operations due to an oversupply of the commodity.

Fresh slides in oil prices have put some of Australia's biggest energy players under pressure and pushed the share market to its worst weekly performance in more than a month.

A major operator of car and truck dealerships says sales are performing well in a softer market.

Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart is looking to expand her business empire with a $500 million bid to take advantage of booming demand for baby formula in China.

Diversified development giant Lend Lease is lukewarm about Australia's economy even though it is upbeat about local residential construction.

Australia's share market has opened slightly lower, with the major banks lower and the big miners mixed.