AAP

US stocks have slumped for a third day in a row with investors worrying about whether high-flying technology stocks are overvalued and cautiously anticipating earnings season.

Australia has secured a historic free trade agreement with its second-largest trading partner Japan after seven years of negotiations.

The share market has fallen despite making up some of the early losses incurred due to a negative lead from Wall Street.

China's economic growth will slow slightly in 2014 but the nation remains the key to the fortunes of the East Asia Pacific region, a new World Bank report says.

Half of Australia's working mothers report discrimination during pregnancy, parental leave or when returning to work, according to an Australian Human Rights Commission report.

The Australian share market has started the week lower with negative sentiment and heavy sell-offs in the US blamed for the fall.

Key Labor figures have backed a call by Bill Shorten to allow non-union members to join the party and overhaul the way candidates are selected but the opposition leader is likely to face some resistance, with union chiefs wary of the reform.

Australia's construction industry remains in decline but there are signs of improvement.

US stocks had a mixed week with the broader market rising on better economic data, but technology stocks faltering on concerns about a downturn in the bubble-prone sector.

Gold prices have risen to their highest level in more than a week after data showed the US created slightly fewer jobs than expected in March.

The Australian dollar has bounced on the back of key US employment figures.

Late gains have pushed the share market slightly higher ahead of the release of US job numbers.

Dozens of workers face having their cars and houses confiscated for failing to pay thousands of dollars in fines for a 2008 strike at Woodside Petroleum's Pluto project that was ruled unlawful.

Australian stocks have opened flat as investors wait for a catalyst to move the market in either direction.

Australia's free trade negotiations with Japan remain deadlocked on a few outstanding issues including Japan's desire to protect farmers from Australian beef imports.

Building products makers CSR and Boral are seeking to combine their brick manufacturing operations on the east coast to save costs amid an ongoing decline in the sector.

Global oil prices have rebounded from earlier losses as dealers grew sceptical Libyan rebels were close to a deal on lifting blockades that would boost the country's oil production.Oil rebounds on hazy prospects for Libya

The Australian dollar is recovering after weak economic data and suggestions that interest rates would remain low for some time weighed the currency down.

US stocks have closed modestly lower as investors digested a series of economic data ahead of Friday's big jobs report for March.

Roy Hill in 457 visa ruckus

Beverages giant Lion says being dumped as Woolworths' milk supplier in Western Australia for rival Brownes will affect production volumes at its Bentley milk processing plant.

Australian shares have made modest gains but a traders say a relatively flat day was disappointing after the release of strong Chinese economic data.

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has urged the federal government to take a longer term view on budget outcomes, echoing similar sentiments from Treasury Secretary Martin Parkinson.

Retail spending is continuing its steady recovery, posting it 10th consecutive monthly rise despite a weak employment outlook.

The federal government could take a fresh look at negative gearing rules in the May budget to help balance the books and make housing more affordable and accessible.

Labor has defended the preselection of union boss Joe Bullock after it emerged he has a prior conviction for assault.

The parties gearing up to contest Saturday's WA Senate election re-un have expressed alarm at reports 75 pre-poll votes were allegedly cast into an unsecured polling box in the lead up to the poll.

The Australian share market has opened higher after markets in the United States continued their rise overnight.

The S&P 500 has risen to a new high, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell just short of a record on another good day for stocks.

Oil prices have reversed an early drop and ended with modest losses, with tensions over Ukraine and a fall in US stockpiles offsetting selling pressure.

The Australian dollar has traded within a tight range overnight as investors await key economic data and a speech by Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens.

A draft report into the behaviour of former West Australian treasurer Troy Buswell is being examined by the state solicitor.