AAP

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.

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.