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The Australian dollar is three-quarters of a US cent higher after US stocks rose more than one per cent, amid hopes there might be a solution to the Italian political crisis.

Councils told to rein in rate increases

The Australian dollar is lower after US stocks tumbled as political stability in Italy sparked caution among investors.

US crude futures fell more than $US1 on Tuesday on worries that Saudi Arabia and Russia will pump more crude to boost supplies after more than a year of reducing worldwide inventories.

Gold prices rose on Tuesday, as a deepening political crisis in Italy that provoked a second day of heavy selling on European financial markets.

Chinese investment plummets as tougher taxes take toll

The Australian dollar is lower after European stocks lost ground in a quiet night of trade with US and UK markets closed for public holidays.

Oil prices extended losses on Monday as Saudi Arabia and Russia said they may increase supplies while US production gains showed no sign of slowing.

Gold prices fell for a second session on Monday as the US dollar firmed and after US President Donald Trump revived hopes that he would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un next month, lowering political tensions and demand for gold as a safe-haven investment.

Great super rip-off exposed

The Australian dollar is almost unchanged from where it finished Friday's local session, after a mixed session on metals markets and the major Wall Street stock indexes finishing slightly lower.

Oil prices fell more than $US2 per barrel on Friday as Saudi Arabia and Russia discussed easing production cuts that have helped push crude prices to their highest since 2014.

Gold prices dropped slightly on Friday, but still remained above $US1,300 per ounce as investors digested news of US President Donald Trump saying a meeting with North Korea's leader could still go ahead.

Wesfarmers eyes $2bn pubs sale

Labor's candidate for the Western Australian state seat of Darling Range has resigned after a week of having her credibility and study history questioned.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher despite falls on Wall Street, which were sparked by the cancellation of the US-North Korea Summit.

Oil prices fell about $US1 on Thursday, with expectations building that reduced supplies from Venezuela and Iran could prompt OPEC to wind down output cuts in place since the start of 2017.

Gold prices surged on Thursday, propelled above $US1,300 per ounce as the US dollar faded after US President Donald Trump called off a summit with North Korea, stoking political tensions.

Part-time rise in State job market

Voters in two WA federal seats will likely go to by-elections on July 28 to avoid school holidays and await new rules for candidates.

The Australian dollar is higher after Wall Street made modest gains as it appear less likely the US Federal Reserve will increase the pace of its interest rate hikes this year.

Oil benchmarks fell on Wednesday after an unexpected build in US crude and gasoline inventories despite strong demand, and as traders weighed a possible increase in OPEC crude output to cover any shortfalls in supply from Iran and Venezuela.

Gold prices rose on Wednesday as the US dollar backed off its highs against a basket of currencies while investors interpreted minutes from the US Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting as dovish.

Westfield ‘done deal’ for Unibail

High company taxes are one of the biggest impediments to Australia’s economic success, according to the latest global competitiveness index by Swiss business school IMD, although improving infrastructure and government efficiency have helped boost the country’s overall rating.

Interest is growing in Kwinana as a possible battery manufacturing hub, with Wesfarmers mooted to be considering a move into the sector and representatives from US electric car manufacturer Tesla in Perth to meet with Premier Mark McGowan today.

The long-delayed footbridge linking East Perth to Optus Stadium will not be ready by the end of May despite previous assurances by the McGowan government.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after Wall Street fell, weighed down by comments from US President Donald Trump about the US-China trade talks.

Brent crude prices settled slightly higher on Tuesday after a volatile session in which potential supply concerns surrounding Venezuela and Iran jockeyed with comments from President Donald Trump, who said he was not pleased with US-China trade talks.

Gold prices have steadied just above their lowest point for the year as the US dollar fell from a five-month high, although risk appetite in the broader financial markets kept the metal's gains in check.

Santos rejects $14.5bn Harbour bid

Federal Labor is demanding the Turnbull government hand over details of the deal it struck with Pauline Hanson to get her support to cut business taxes, a pact One Nation is now reneging on.