AAP

Oil prices have dropped again on rising fears that slowing economic growth will hit petroleum demand and further glut the market.

Gold prices have surged to a one-month high as jitters over the health of the global economy and steep losses in equities brought investors back into the arms of the haven asset.

US stocks have finished a turbulent day in the red, rallying somewhat from a huge midday drop spurred by worries over global economic weakness and the Ebola epidemic.

The Australian dollar has bounced back above 88 US cents following the release of disappointing economic data in the US.

The Western Australian premier has downplayed his verbal attack on BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, claiming he never suggested the two mining giants were colluding.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia boss Ian Narev says says he is not worried by critics who "take pot shots" at the bank over its financial planning scandal.

The Australian share market has closed higher after disappointing Chinese inflation data fueled expectations more monetary easing was yet to come in the world's second largest economy.

Foreign buyers are flocking to buy Australian property, snapping up one out of every six new homes - and that number is set to get higher.

Climate experts have no doubt Australia has the highest per capita emissions in the developed world.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has blasted the Australian National University's "stupid decision" to get rid of its fossil fuels share portfolio.

Consumers are starting to feel a little more optimistic, but confidence remains down in the dumps.

The Australian share market has opened higher on stronger iron ore prices and a positive production report from the world's second largest miner.

Rio Tinto has all but committed to keeping its August promise to hand over decent cash returns to shareholders despite a falling iron ore price.

Gold prices have hit a fresh four-week high, as investors rush into the metal amid gloomy economic data and turbulent stock markets in Europe and Asia.

US stocks have finished mixed following a round of mostly solid corporate earnings as the market shifted from a three-day slump.

US crude prices have plummeted nearly five per cent as the International Energy Agency slashed its oil demand forecast in light of slowing economic growth in Asia and Europe.

The Australian dollar has dipped lower after weak data out of the US, UK and Europe re-ignited concerns about global economic growth.

The Western Australian premier has again accused BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto of flooding a depressed iron ore market, putting further downward pressure on the commodity's price.

The Australian share market has rebounded as a surge in iron ore prices boosted the miners and bargain hunters piled into other sectors.

Shares in smaller iron ore miners, led by Mount Gibson Iron, have shot up after a jump in the price of Australia's largest export.

The federal government will spend $400 million on tax breaks for start-up companies and innovation centres in a bid to kick-start the economy.

Disgruntled Telstra shareholders have vented their anger of the telco's "unfair" $1 billion share buyback.

Australian business confidence has taken a dive in the face of tough trading conditions and dwindling profits.

Education Minister Christopher Pyne has described Australian National University's controversial decision to divest its fossil fuels share portfolio as bizarre.

Education funding cuts in Western Australia will leave 90 per cent of the state's public school students worse off, the teachers' union says.

The Australian dollar is still higher than it should be despite its recent decline, the Reserve Bank of Australia says.

Australian shares have opened weaker as a late tumble on Wall Street hit the big banks.

US stocks have finished sharply lower again as worries about global growth weighed on the market a day ahead of major company earnings releases.

Oil prices have slid lower, with Brent hitting a four-year low, on oversupply worries heightened by OPEC signals that producers have no intention of cutting output.

Gold has advanced to its highest level in nearly four weeks as worries about global economic growth weaken the US dollar and spur investor appetite for a haven.

The Australian dollar is higher after better-than-expected Chinese trade figures gave the currency a boost.

Australia has the second best retirement savings system in the world, according to a survey of global pensions.