AAP

Tech stocks have led US markets higher helped by the truce in the smartphone patents battle between Apple and Google.

Oil prices have been mixed amid escalating violence in crude producer Libya following a revolt by a rogue general that has raised concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Agribusiness Elders has narrowed its half year loss to $10.2 million and expects continued improvement over the full year.

The Australian share market has closed lower as mining stocks were weakened by a fall in iron ore prices, and the market generally worried about falling prices on the Chinese property market.

The new head of construction giant Leighton Holdings has vowed to cut costs and recover outstanding payments as its parent company takes greater control of the company.

Mining giant Rio Tinto expects to sign an agreement to push ahead with the troubled $US20 billion ($A21.64 billion) Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.

Australian stocks are weaker, with heavy falls by iron ore miners dragging down the overall market.

Oil prices moved modestly higher as the market found support from US gasoline demand hopes ahead of the looming summer-holiday driving season and the ongoing Ukraine crisis.

US stocks have finished higher after a choppy day of trade as investors weighed some solid retail earnings reports with mixed economic data.

The Australian dollar is higher but remains below 94 US cents after a quiet overseas trade.

Perth fashion icon Ruth Tarvydas has been found dead outside her apartment, according to WA Police.

Banks and resources stocks have pulled the Australian sharemarket lower following sell-offs overseas.

The board of food producer Goodman Fielder has unanimously recommended shareholders accept a sweetened $1.37 billion dollar takeover offer from two Asian firms.

Construction giant Leighton Holdings has agreed to pay $69.45 million to settle a shareholders dispute but maintains it did not mislead investors.

The Australian share market is weaker as disappointing European growth numbers overnight sent investors looking for safety.

The Australian dollar is lower, weighed down by disappointing euro zone economic growth figures.

Gold futures fell as investors reduced holdings of the precious metal amid signs that the US labor market continues to recover.

Stony outcrops to reap billions in gas royalties

US stocks have slumped after weak earnings from WalMart hit retail equities amid concerns that investors are shifting from stocks to bonds.

The Australian dollar has traded within a narrow range just below 94 US cents in the absence of any major economic news or data.

Ratings agency Moody's expects the Australian mining sector to continue to benefit from strong Chinese demand, despite slowing growth in the world's second largest economy.

The share market is slightly higher after a mixed session for the heavyweight banking and resources sectors.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott is confident his first budget can survive a two-pronged attack from state premiers and the Senate.

The Australian share market has opened lower after US markets came off record highs.

Westfield has enjoyed a rise in retail sales across its global shopping centre chain.

The Australian dollar has backed away from a one-month high, as traders take profits.

US stocks have finished lower following mixed earnings and a surprising rise in producer prices, snapping a five-day winning streak for the Dow that included three straight record closings.

Oil prices have moved higher, lifted by a new decline in US oil inventories at the key Cushing storage hub and falling petrol stockpiles.

The Australian dollar passed 94 US cent for the first time in four weeks, helped by confidence in the Australian economy and a rally on Wall Street.

The share market has closed flat, with gains by two of the big four banks offsetting falls by their two rivals caused by the payment of dividends.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says the federal government's plan to shift more responsibility to the states for education and health funding might be a ploy to get them to push for changes to the GST.

Mining giant Rio Tinto's Pilbara iron ore operations are producing ore more quickly than previously anticipated.