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Albanese backs in blue-collar workers

Oil prices fell overnight after four days of gains as expectations US crude stockpiles will rise and worries about weak Chinese industrial data offset hopes oil demand will increase if talks progress on a China-US trade deal.

Palladium soared overnight to hit $US1,800 an ounce for the first time ever, extending a record run triggered by a stark supply shortfall, while gold fell nearly 1.0 per cent on optimism surrounding a US-China deal that pushed stocks to a fresh peak.

The Australian share market has given up nearly all of its early gains, just barely extending its winning streak to six days ahead of busy week for economic data.

Tradie extinction

Oil prices rose on Friday, registering the strongest weekly gains in more than a month as support from optimism over a US-China trade deal, falling US crude stocks and possible action from OPEC to extend output cuts outweighed broader economic concerns.

Gold steadied on Friday, paring earlier gains as equity markets rose and the US dollar strengthened after US officials said they were close to finalising parts of a trade pact with China, but bullion was still on track for a weekly gain.

The Australian share market has closed for higher for a fifth straight day - and added more gains than the rest of the week combined.

The Australian share market has built on its early gains, helped by the healthcare sector.

McGowan subs pitch ‘pointless, expensive’

Oil prices extended their gains overnight, with Brent rising above $US61 a barrel as a surprise drop in US crude inventories and the prospect of further market-supporting action by OPEC and its allies offset some concern over the outlook for demand.

Gold scaled a near two-week peak overnight after weak economic data from the United States raised expectations for another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve while platinum jumped to its highest level in more than three weeks.

The Australian share market has closed higher for a fourth day, buoyed by energy stocks as the price of crude jumped higher.

Billions in the balance as floats flop

Oil rose about 2.5 per cent overnight after government data showed a surprise draw in US crude stocks and as the prospect of deeper output cuts by OPEC and its allies offered support.

Gold gained overnight as some investors sought refuge in the metal after UK MPs pushed the pause button on Brexit while expectations of further monetary easing by central banks lent further support.

The Australian share market has finished flat following a sluggish day amid more uncertainty over Brexit negotiations.

The Perth Mint has announced 1,400 new investors have registered for digital accounts in the past two weeks, following the launch of its gold token.

Rio Tinto could close an unprofitable aluminium smelter on New Zealand's South Island after prices dropped more than 30 per cent over 18 months amid oversupply of the metal.

The Australian share market has been dragged lower by weakness in sectors including healthcare and the heavyweight financials.

Major breach by exporter

trade talks with the United States but crude's gains were capped by forecasts of a build up in US stockpiles.

Gold steadied in a tight range overnight as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of a crucial Brexit vote while focus shifted to the US Federal Reserve's stance on interest rate cuts.

The Australian share market has closed higher on positive signs for easing US-China trade tensions and a deal on Brexit.

Rio Tinto’s 22-year relationship with Black Swan State Theatre Company has come to an end, as it was announced at the theatre company's season launch last night that Fortescue Metals Group will step in as its new principal partner.

The Australian share market has opened slightly higher after a positive lead from overseas.

Big projects to get strike protection

Oil prices fell nearly 1.0 per cent overnight after comments from a US official fed concerns surrounding the US-China trade conflict, adding to worries that a slowing global economy would reduce demand for oil.

Gold eased overnight on improved appetite for riskier assets, while investors awaited further clarity from the US Federal Reserve on more possible interest rate cuts this year.

The Australian share market has closed flat, boosted by the property sector and dragged by turmoil in tech stocks.

WA Super has announced it will invest $20 million in the WA Impact Fund, as part of its membership of the newly founded Impact Investment Alliance of WA.

China launches $10b push for Oakajee iron ore