US stocks have posted big gains for the second straight session as strong American economic data extended a global rally that began with a surge in beaten-down Chinese equities.
The Australian share market is almost 1.5 per cent higher, following Wall Street's three per cent gains, a sign traders are shrugging off recent volatility.
Australian shares have defied predictions of a second straight day of carnage as the big banks helped the domestic market recovered its opening losses.
US stocks have finished sharply lower but far above the session's floor following a bruising day in global financial markets sparked by mounting worries over the Chinese economy.
More than $70 billion has been wiped from the Australian share market as fears about China's economy sparked its heaviest fall in six and a half years.
The Australian share market has plunged at the start of trade, with losses being felt across the board from banks to resources stock as uncertainty grips global markets.
US shares have sunk more than 2.0 per cent with the Dow dropping to its lowest level for 2015 as worries spread about the strength of the world economy.
Willis is set to become one of the largest insurance brokers in Western Australia after buying CKA Risk Solutions, which was established in Perth 11 years ago.
Wall Street stocks have finished lower following a mixed batch of earnings from retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores, which tumbled 3.4 per cent after slashing its profit forecast.
The Australian dollar is struggling to gain any ground, weighed down by Chinese share market volatility and an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate rise.
