AAP

The $1 billion return of cleaning and catering services firm Spotless Group to the share market is set to be the largest listing in nearly four years.

Two Asian companies seeking control of food producer Goodman Fielder say they are undeterred by the company's rejection of their $1.27 billion takeover offer.

The share market has made a steady start to the week as renewed concern over tensions in Ukraine weighs on global markets.

The big four banks have defended their lending standards after a report linked them to companies accused of illegal land grabs in developing countries.

The Australian dollar is weaker amid escalating tension in Ukraine.

US stocks have slumped after a dim earnings outlook from Amazon sparked a big retreat in tech stocks and as world leaders signalled growing worry over Ukraine.

Western Australia remains the nation's best performing economy but the Northern Territory is a close second.

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.