AAP

US oil prices have rallied despite an International Energy Agency report that said the outlook for global crude demand growth has weakened considerably.

US stocks have finished little changed as concerns about the upcoming referendum on Scottish independence and weak global inflation data weighed on sentiment.

Gold prices fell to their lowest level in more than seven months on Thursday and finished in the red for the fourth session in a row, as a strong dollar and muted geopolitical fears continued to weigh on its appeal as a safe-haven investment.

Plans to extend Western Australia's controversial shark cull policy by three years have suffered a blow after the Environmental Protection Authority rejected the trial.

The share market has closed lower as weaker iron ore and oil prices dragged on the resources sector, and the big banks also fell.

The number of houses being sold across Australia has hit its highest level since the global financial crisis six years ago, despite a drop in sales in Western Australia.

The state opposition has pounced on apparent cracks in the alliance between the Liberals and Nationals after junior coalition party members crossed the floor on the issue of forced council mergers.

Freight operator Aurizon has received exclusive rights to develop the rail and port infrastructure for a major Pilbara iron ore project in which it is a partner.

A record jump in the number of people with jobs has surprised economists and sparked questions about the accuracy of the figures.

The Australian stock market has opened slightly higher after a strong showing on Wall Street overnight.

After four years of sliding profits, Myer boss Bernie Brookes hopes 2015 will be the year the department store turns its business around.

The Australian dollar has hit a six month low as the price of iron ore falls and the US dollar continues its rally.

Enthusiasm about Apple's latest product launches have propelled US stocks higher, with the tech-rich Nasdaq posting the largest gains of the three major indices.

World oil prices have dropped after OPEC trimmed its oil demand growth forecast and a US supply report showed surprisingly high inventories.

Gold futures gave up earlier gains, settling at a fresh three-month low on Wednesday as a stronger US dollar sapped investor appetite for the metal.

The Australian share market has closed lower in the wake of weak overseas leads and falling commodity prices.

The state government has moved to introduce legislation validating environmental approvals for 25 resources projects, including BHP Billiton's Jimblebar iron ore project and Macedon gas development, thrown into doubt by a review of the independent Environmental Protection Authority’s conflict of interest procedures.

A trio of heavyweight unions will present a petition to the Western Australian parliament, calling for an investigation into the use of local labour and suppliers at the Chevron-operated Gorgon gas project.

The unemployment rate is expected to ease from its 12-year high in August but could remain stuck around 6 per cent for some time.

The Australian share market has opened lower following a sell-off on Wall Street.

Concerns about the federal budget are back and weighing on consumer confidence.

The Australian dollar has hit a five month low as the US dollar continues its surge against most of the major currencies.

Gold slid to a three-month low and other precious metals fell Tuesday as the dollar strengthened and as signs of progress toward peace in Ukraine reduced the need for haven assets.

Oil prices in London have continued their steady slide amid a flush market and little upside to the current demand picture.

Wall Street stocks have fallen, pulled down by major banks after the Federal Reserve signalled more stringent capital requirements.

A recovery by the resources sector after recent falls in iron ore prices has helped the share market break a run of four straight losses.

Labor will not stand a candidate in the seat of Vasse, which was left vacant when former Western Australian treasurer Troy Buswell quit politics.

Two of the longest serving directors of Wesfarmers will step down from the board in November.

Rio Tinto has mounted an energetic defence of clean coal, referencing Churchill and Neil Armstrong's moon landing in declaring it the only way to meet growing energy needs while reducing emissions.

The Australian stock market has opened flat following a soft lead from overseas and falls in commodity prices.

Oil prices have dropped with the European benchmark contract slipping below $US100 ($A108.20) a barrel on concerns about fragile demand, heavy supply and a strengthening US dollar.

US stocks finished mostly lower following disappointing economic data from China and Japan and the growing spectre of Scotland breaking away from the United Kingdom.