The Australian share market has opened lower after China went ahead with a controversial national security law for Hong Kong that sets it up for renewed tension with the United States.
Gold pared gains overnight, having risen 1 per cent earlier in the session, pressured by an advance in Wall Street, but escalating tensions between the United States and China kept the bullion supported.
UPDATED: Six more members of the crew on a livestock ship docked in Western Australia have tested positive to the coronavirus, bringing the total to 12.
The Reserve Bank boss has given his backing to the prime minister's post-COVID economic reform agenda, saying change is needed to help businesses expand, invest, innovate and hire people.
Optus says the full-year net profit delivered to its Singaporean parent company Singtel dropped 39 per cent to $402 million as more customers opted for SIM-only phone plans and data price competition intensified.
Oil futures tumbled overnight after US President Donald Trump said he was working on a strong response to China's proposed security law in Hong Kong and as some traders doubted Russia's commitment to deep production cuts.
Gold fell overnight to its lowest price in two weeks as the easing of coronavirus restrictions around the world fed optimism that the global economy could rebound.
The Australian share market has been unable to extend its rally into a third day, fading in the late afternoon to close marginally lower despite a stupendous rally by the banking sector.
Vitamin producer Blackmores has announced an equity raising of up to $117 million to strengthen its balance sheet during the coronavirus crisis, but executive director Marcus Blackmore won't be participating.
A conciliatory premier Mark McGowan has conceded he did not have the full picture yesterday when he criticised the federal government’s handling of the live sheep carrier that entered Fremantle harbour with sick crew members.
Oil prices rose overnight, supported by signs that producers are following through on commitments to cut supplies and as fuel demand picks up with coronavirus restrictions easing.
Gold fell by more than 1 per cent overnight as major economies further eased coronavirus-linked restrictions, fuelling hopes for economic recovery and bolstering risk appetite.
The Australian share market has enjoyed its best day in seven weeks, outperforming its Asian peers amid optimism over a gradually reopening of the world economy.
Six crew members aboard a live export ship that arrived in Fremantle last week have tested positive to COVID-19, despite being cleared by a federal department, Premier Mark McGowan said.
Local Government Minister David Templeman has issued the Town of Cambridge with a 'show cause' notice, giving the council 21 days before it is suspended for a period of up to six months.
Gold eased overnight in holiday-thinned trade as some investors took profits, though lingering US-China tensions and extensive stimulus measures by governments worldwide limited decline.
Oil prices edged up overnight in sluggish trading with holidays in Singapore, London and New York, as rising concerns over demand recovery offset supply cuts.
Leederville-based startup InteliCare had a positive start to trading on the ASX today, with its shares closing at 31.5 cents each, more than 50 per cent above their issue price.
The Master Builders Association is seeking more than $13 billion for a building and construction stimulus package which it claims will support an economic recovery, including subsidies for new home building and for rennvations.
