AAP

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.

The share market has suffered its fifth fall in six sessions, despite surprisingly positive data out of China.

Fancied explorer Orbis Gold has rejected a $162 million cash bid by fellow West Africa player Semafo.

Small-to medium-sized businesses can expect savings on their energy bills of between five and 10 per cent following the axing of the carbon tax, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says.

Australian stocks continue to fall, starting the week nearly one per cent lower after posting the biggest decline in 15 months on Friday.

Foreign ownership of Qantas is close to its government-imposed limit, with nearly 48 per cent of the airline now held by overseas investors.

Prices for platinum and palladium have fallen, hit by fears that slowing growth in Europe and Asia will impact on demand.

Wall Street stocks have suffered one of the worst weeks of 2014, with global growth fears overwhelming some positive economic news and pushing the Dow into negative territory for the year.

The Australian dollar has dropped below 87 US cents as global economic growth concerns weigh on risk appetite.

China's surprise decision during free trade talks to impose tariffs on Australian coal shows the importance of getting an agreement soon, Prime Minister Tony Abbott says.

The share market in its largest daily fall in 15 months, 2 per cent, because of renewed concerns about global economic growth.

Traditional bricks and mortar retailers trying to compete with rapidly expanding online outlets are being hampered by red tape, a new report has found.

Growth in housing finance cooled in August, but investors continue to dominate the market due to sluggish growth in loans for owner occupiers.

Western Australian brides and grooms have been left out of pocket to the tune of $180,000 after a company that offered weddings in Bali became insolvent.

The former managing director of China's Hanlong Mining has been extradited to Australia for what could be the nation's biggest insider trading case.

The Australian sharemarket is headed for its biggest fall of the year as investors worry about weak global economic growth.