US oil fell nearly two per cent, despite a larger-than-expected decline in US crude inventories, while global benchmark Brent was little changed, pushing the spread between the two to its widest in more than three years.
US stocks have fallen after the US moved to impose tariffs on metal imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, prompting retaliatory measures from some of its trading partners.
The background of WA Labor's latest candidate for Darling Range has been extensively scrutinised, the premier says, after the party's last MP and a parliamentary hopeful for the state seat proved to be embarrassments.
An animal welfare group has been granted access to Fremantle harbour to observe livestock loading in a move that has been criticized by industry groups.
Oil prices surged on Wednesday, shrugging off an unexpected build in US crude stockpiles and rebounding from a four-day slump as Russia's central bank expressed caution on plans to boost oil supply.
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.
Gold prices edged higher on Wednesday as the US dollar wilted after data showed the US economy slowed slightly more than initially expected in the first quarter while political uncertainty lingered in Italy.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
