AAP

Brickworks expects a recovery in house construction activity to drive significant earnings growth in its building products business, despite Western Australia remaining a "difficult market" for the company.

The Abbott government has complained that a Senate inquiry into the national broadband network was stacked in favour of their opponents and didn't reflect the evidence heard.

Australian stocks have opened weaker following a sell off on US markets overnight.

US stocks have finished lower with technology names tumbling the most after the market snubbed a Facebook acquisition announcement and King Digital's first day of trade as a public company.

Oil prices in New York jumped after data showed a fall in crude supplies at a key US trading hub and a surprisingly large decline in petrol stocks.

The Australian dollar has hit a new four-month high as it looks more likely that the cash rate won't be reduced again this interest rate cycle.

Export earnings from resources and energy commodities are expected to increase by eight per cent a year, driven by growth in volumes and despite softness in prices, a federal government forecaster predicts.

The share market rose on the back of strong consumer confidence data in the US and higher commodity prices.

Agricultural chemicals and seeds supplier Nufarm has more than doubled its half year profit but says the drought hit Australian market remains challenging.

The federal government will go ahead with the sale of Medibank Private next financial year, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann says.

Australian stocks have opened higher, following gains on European and US markets overnight.

Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens says governments must act to a create more conducive environment for economic growth.

US oil prices have slipped as traders anticipate a gain on stockpiles in the United States in the government's weekly crude inventory report, but prices were slightly higher in London.

US stocks have finished higher as biotechnology companies and other high-tech equities steadied following a two-day skid.

The Australian dollar has hit a four-month high, helped by continuing speculation that the Chinese central bank will take action to stimulate its economy.

Australian stocks have closed lower as gold stocks came under pressure because of a significant fall in the price of the precious metal.

Internet provider TPG has lifted its half year profit by 15 per cent thanks to solid growth in the number of customers taking up its bundled packages.

The Abbott government will need to bide its time until the new Senate arrives in July before having any real chance at abolishing the mining tax, after Labor and the Greens blocked the government's repeal efforts.

Explosives, mining services and chemicals supplier Orica has secured 100 petajoules of gas from Strike Energy, in an agreement which will enable the development of a large gas resource in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.

Property developer Australand has upgraded its earnings guidance as strong demand lifts prices for its new homes.

The share market has opened lower after falls on US and European markets overnight.

Federal Labor has accused the government of shelving unpopular changes to financial advice laws until after the Western Australian Senate election.

CBH prepares for push east

A second straight sell-off of popular technology shares has dragged US stocks lower, as tensions with Russia over Ukraine continue to keep investors on edge.

US crude prices have edged higher after traffic was halted on a key petroleum-industry waterway in Houston due to an oil spill.

The Australian dollar has hit a new three-month high as speculation grows that the Chinese central bank will have to give its economy a boost.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has confirmed the Abbott government has temporarily frozen a controversial rollback of Labor's financial advice laws.

Investment bank Macquarie Group is set to post its largest profit in six years, as financial market conditions continue to improve.

The share market has overcome early falls and weaker than expected Chinese economic data to post a small gain.

Mineral sands miner Iluka Resources has denied any wrongdoing after it became the latest Australian company set to face a class action from disgruntled shareholders.

The Australian share market has opened higher following a solid lead from markets in the United States and easing concern over Ukraine.

Federal Nationals leader Warren Truss says his party would be open to a free trade agreement with China if it contained the same protections for agriculture as Australia's recent deal with South Korea.