AAP

The share market closed firm at near six year highs following a sixth consecutive day of gains.

Toll roads operator Transurban has extended its reach into Queensland, acquiring a string of Brisbane motorways from the Queensland government for more than $7 billion.

Australian billionaire and Ramsay Health Care founder Paul Ramsay is in a serious condition in a European hospital.

The share market is continuing its upward momentum, opening higher after low inflation data prompted a rally.

Western Australian iron ore producer Atlas Iron achieved record shipments in the March quarter but has also been hit by weaker commodity prices.

Oil prices have fallen as US commercial crude-oil stockpiles hit an all-time high on the strength of production in the world's biggest oil-consuming country.

Gold prices are higher as renewed tensions in Eastern Europe and mixed US economic data buoy investor interest.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher as it struggles to recover from losses made after the release of weaker-than-expected March quarter inflation figures.

The Australian share market has hit another high after a fifth consecutive day of gains, driven by low inflation.

Newcrest Mining's chief operating officer Sandeep Biswas will take over as the gold producer's chief executive and managing director from July 4.

Lower than expected inflation means the Reserve Bank of Australia can keep the cash rate at its current low, according to economists.

Property developer Stockland will wait to hear what investors have to say about the rejection of its $2.4 billion takeover proposal for Australand before considering further options.

Gold prices have fallen to the lowest level in 10 weeks, as investors ignore tensions in Ukraine to focus on an improving US economy and falling Chinese demand for the precious metal.

US oil prices have plummeted on expectations of another increase in the nation's inventories, suggesting tepid demand in the world's biggest crude consumer.

The Australian dollar is holding its ground ahead of the release of what is expected to be strong March quarter inflation figures.

The share market has closed higher after the United States market was pushed upward by solid corporate earnings reports.

It should no longer be compulsory for members of the Labor Party to join a union and every supporter should be able to join up with one click of a computer mouse, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says.

Federal MP Clive Palmer has strongly indicated his party won't support the Abbott government's climate change direct action plan, labelling it a "token gesture" and a waste of money.

The share market is slightly higher after a rise on Wall Street overnight.

The Australian market looks set to open higher after Wall Street finished higher as solid earnings reports from Halliburton and others kicked off the busiest week of the quarterly earnings season.

Oil prices pushed higher in quiet trade, gaining support from the Ukraine crisis following a deadly gunfight over the weekend.

The Australian dollar has hit a two-week low after a senior Chinese official ruled out any economic stimulus measure.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower as a boost from speculation of stimulus measures in China wore off, while activity was low ahead of the Easter holiday.

New car sales should remain high in 2014 due to the strong Australian dollar and healthy competition between manufacturers.

The share market heads into the Easter break with three consecutive days of gains and one per cent off a post-GFC high.

Woodside Petroleum could be forced to move quickly on a growth project in Canada after agreeing a three-year land use deal.

The state budget will "impact" the cost of living so the state can retain a surplus, Premier Colin Barnett says.

Energy giant Woodside Petroleum has lifted its first quarter revenue despite a small slide in production.

Oil prices in New York have finished essentially flat as a bearish US oil inventory report offset concerns that rising political tensions in Ukraine could affect energy supplies.

 The Australian market looks set to open higher after Wall Street rose for its third session on positive economic news.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, helped by some Chinese economic growth figures that didn't disappoint the market.

The share market has closed higher as investors were encouraged by good corporate earnings reports from the United States and shrugged off economic growth figures out of China.