AAP

Economists expect retail spending managed to grow in April despite a series of hurdles, but new data won't capture the impact of a rise in interest rates.

The local share market has closed down 0.7 per cent with every sector losing ground except for technology, boosted by Appen's $1.2bn takeover offer.

Economists expect figures will show business investment picked up further in the March quarter, providing a boost to growth in the upcoming national accounts.

The local share market has recouped Tuesday's losses, with gains for the big banks and supermarkets, but the tech sector again had a dour day.

After being thrust into the international spotlight, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will focus on his domestic agenda when he returns from overseas.

The Australian share market faded on Tuesday to close down slightly amid concerns that COVID-19 lockdowns have damaged China's economy.

The Australian Electoral Commission's latest figures give Labor 75 seats to the coalition's 59 as the vote count continues.

The Australian share market started up by as many as 50 points after the weekend's federal election, but faded by the end of the day.

Australian chemical company Incitec Pivot plans to demerge its Australian fertiliser business into a new company.

The Liberal Party is taking stock in the wake of an election defeat but is turning its focus to a replacement for Scott Morrison as leader.

The new Labor government will hit the ground running following the election as the exact make up of parliament remains unclear.

The local market closed up 1.1 per cent on the day, and has been up five of the past six sessions.

Australians in isolation due to COVID-19 will be able to vote in the federal election following last-minute changes to electoral rules.

The Australian stock market has fallen sharply, with major retailers hitting multi-year lows on fears of rising fuel and freight costs.

Retailers enjoyed a buoyant sales period during April compared to a year earlier, but ballooning inflation is eating into business operations.

The major miners have led the ASX higher, with iron ore prices rising as China reopens.

New data suggests the sharp rise in inflation and an expected rapid rise in interest rates will take the edge off Australia's economic expansion.

The local share market has posted its third consecutive winning session, although the gains were modest.

The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index has fallen for a fourth straight week to its lowest level since mid-August 2020.

The ASX has finished in the green, with Brambles posting double-digit gains after the pallet giant confirmed it had been approached about a buyout.

The West Australian government will establish a marine park in Exmouth Gulf in the state's northwest.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the handling of the AUKUS negotiations after reports he misled the US on the level of bipartisanship.

Australian shares have clawed back Thursday's losses with across the board gains, closing out a volatile week with the local bourse's best single-day performance in 15 weeks.

A Chinese spyship has been tracked off the coast of Western Australia, Defence Minister Peter Dutton has revealed.

Australian technology stocks have suffered their worst single-day losses since early in the pandemic, while the local bourse hit a fresh 14-week low after declining for a fourth day in five sessions.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia third quarter cash profit has remained steady at $2.4 billion as growth in home and business lending was offset by the impact of ongoing margin pressure.

The Australian share market has finished in the green for the first time since last Thursday, rising slightly higher ahead of key US inflation data due to be released overnight.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese effectively put a figure on Labor's position, supporting a wage increase of 5.1 per cent, in line with the highest inflation spike in two decades.

The local bourse has suffered its third losing session in a row, but the damage ended up being not nearly as severe as it had been in early trading.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced his decision to resign, almost immediately after he delivered the territory's budget.

DoorDash and the Transport Workers' Union have signed an agreement that sets out how Australia can ensure safety and fairness for contract or so-called gig workers.

The local bourse has sunk to a nearly two-month low, as last week's rollercoaster ride shows no signs of abating.