AAP

Gold prices rose Tuesday, getting a boost from a shift in expectations for this week's Federal Reserve policy statement that also weakened the dollar.

World oil prices have rebounded sharply after the head of OPEC indicated that the crude producers' cartel could cut its production target for 2015.

Wall Street stocks have posted solid gains following reports of a new Chinese stimulus plan as investors awaited Wednesday's US Federal Reserve monetary policy announcement.

The City of Canning has been sacked by the Western Australian local government minister and replaced by a panel of three commissioners until a new council is elected in October 2015.

Taxpayers have been burnt by the Western Australian government after it paid $30 million upfront for dozens of luxury apartments it cannot sell, the opposition says.

The share market has closed lower as investors pulled out of bank stocks in anticipation of a rise in interest interest rates in the US.

A former National Australia Bank employee and a public servant have pleaded guilty to a $7 million insider trading scheme.

Treasurer Joe Hockey says the G20 is close to putting together a set of measures that will help lift global growth by a further two per cent.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is confident business investment will increase in the coming months, but is still not offering any hints on the timing of its next interest rate move.

Consumer confidence has dipped to its lowest level in more than a month despite an improvement in the unemployment rate.

The Australian share market has opened flat but mining stocks have recovered some losses after a rise in iron ore prices.

Maritime unions protested in Perth against federal government measures that make it easier for employers to hire overseas workers for offshore oil and gas projects.

The Australian dollar has recovered some ground following its dip below 90 US cents, helped along by some US dollar weakness.

Gold futures closed with a slight gain on Monday as some investors saw a bargain in the wake of recent declines, while platinum closed near a nine-month low as worries about demand weighed on investor interest.

US stocks have finished mixed as the tech-rich Nasdaq dropped more than one per cent following a cautious report on Tesla Motors.

Global oil prices have finished mixed after weak US and Chinese industrial data clouded the outlook for demand in the world's largest economies.

Asbestos victims have rejected a "morally bankrupt" proposal for James Hardie to ditch lump sum compensation packages in favour of instalment payments.

The share market has suffered its biggest one-day fall in five weeks as investors retreated from the major banks and some of the big miners.

Troubled rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has cut talks over a restructure of a $249.7 million loan, meaning it will soon need to make a sizeable repayment.

Australian house price rises are among the highest in the world, but a new report warns homes here could be overvalued.

Iron ore miner and steelmaker Arrium is seeking to raise at least $754 million through the issue of new shares, to reduce debt amid falling prices for iron ore.

The Australian stock market is lower as news of a slowdown in Chinese industrial production and expectations the US Federal Reserve will lift interest rates weigh on investors.

Leaked emails have allegedly shown senior Leighton Holdings executives discussing plans to inflate the cost of contracts to disguise kickbacks to corrupt officials.

Almost one in five Australians are living pay to pay, a National Australia Bank survey shows.

Wall Street stocks took a breather this week, finishing down from record levels despite solid US economic data and a successful products launch by Apple.

The Australian dollar has hit a fresh six-month low, barely keeping its head above 90 US cents following encouraging US economic figures.

Gold prices ended Friday at the lowest level in eight months as the dollar continued its advance against other currencies.

The share market has suffered its largest weekly fall in a month as falls in almost every sector on Friday contributed to a third straight day of weakness.

Personal finance loans fell for a second month in a row.

The Western Australian premier has turned his attention to "rogue" sharks that linger around an area for a long time after admitting last summer's baited drumline program wasn't targeted enough.

The Australian stock market has opened slightly lower weighed down by falls in banking stocks.

The Australian dollar has dropped below 92 US cents for the first time in six months as continued US dollar strength outweighs positive local jobs data.