AAP

US stocks have finished modestly lower following disappointing economic data even as shares for video camera maker Per cent soared in their first day of trade.

Gold futures have ended lower as investors weigh news of illegal gold-backed loans in China and signs that inflation was picking up in the US.

The Australian dollar is higher against the weakened greenback following more disappointing economic data out of the US.

The Big Day Out festival has been cancelled in Australia and New Zealand, amid speculation there is a shortage of headline acts for the annual event.

A strong performance by the share market has more than recovered losses suffered in the previous two days, with retailers and banks among the best performers.

Mineral sands miner Iluka Resources has approached the operator of a titanium mine in Mozambique about a possible takeover.

A Perth cafe must pay thousands of dollars in compensation and penalties for illegally deducting money from the wages of its employees over minor errors.

Australian shares have opened better than expected, making gains in early trade.

New York oil prices have been lifted by a report suggesting the US is easing a ban on crude exports even as inventory data suggested mixed energy demand in America.

US stocks have finished higher despite a US Commerce Department report that showed first-quarter economic activity contracted much more than previously thought.

The Australian dollar has rebounded on the back of weaker-than-expected US economic data.

Gold prices have risen after data showing the US economy contracted more than expected in the first quarter cut short a bout of profit-taking in the precious metal.

The share market has fallen, with weakness in most sectors, as investors remain cautious due to conflict in Iraq and Ukraine.

The share market has opened lower after US stocks underperformed despite positive consumer confidence and home sales data.

Japanese PM first to visit WA

Gold prices have extended their two-month high as sustained worries about instability in the Middle East and dovish remarks from England's central bank prompt investors to buy the precious metal.

The Australian dollar is lower on the back of strong consumer confidence and home sales figures in the US.

World oil prices have diverged, holding close to recent peaks amid ongoing concerns over violence in crude-producer Iraq.

US stocks have dropped despite solid economic data in a decline analysts attributed to profit taking and the ongoing Sunni insurgent attacks in Iraq.

Media reports suggesting BHP Billiton is set to slash 3,000 positions from its workforce are inaccurate, Premier Colin Barnett says.

The share market has fallen in a subdued day of trade, with no economic data to influence investors and flat leads from overseas markets.

The share market has opened weaker following mixed leads overnight from overseas markets.

Australia needs to have a grown-up conversation about the GST if the states are expected to fulfil their responsibilities.

The Australian dollar remains above 94 US cents on the back of surprisingly strong Chinese manufacturing figures.

World oil prices have fallen as investors reassess a political crisis in Iraq that remains concerning but is yet to result in crude supply disruptions.

US stocks have finished little changed following mixed economic data as investors keep watch on continued unrest in major oil-producer Iraq.

Australian Sandalwood producer TFS Corporation predicts it will generate exports of $1 billion over the next decade as its oil fetches $5,000 per kilogram overseas.

The tough federal budget has exacerbated already difficult market conditions for grocery wholesaler Metcash.

The share market has posted solid gains as investors were buoyed by China's best manufacturing activity data in six months.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum has given the green light to Buru Energy's planned fracking program at a gas project in the Kimberley.

The Australian share market is higher following a strong lead from Wall Street.

Welfare cuts due to come into effect next week are in limbo with the federal government conceding it has run out of time to pass the measures through parliament.