Gold prices are little changed as an expected US interest rate rise boosts the US dollar and weighs on the precious metal, but political risks in Europe provide safe-haven support.
The share market has closed almost flat as a disappointing domestic business confidence survey and Chinese economic data contributed to the loss of early gains.
The Australian share market is gaining strength, thanks to the heavyweight materials sector on the back of higher commodity prices after a mixed performance on Wall Street.
First-home buyers may get super accessTreasurer Scott Morrison has fuelled speculation the government may allow first-home buyers to access their super
The Australian dollar is slightly higher against its US counterpart as the greenback remains steady ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.
Oil prices are steady to soft after touching three-month low, testing a slide that began last week when the market became less optimistic that OPEC's efforts to restrict output would reduce a global oil glut amid swelling US. supplies.
Gold prices are little changed as the prospect of an imminent interest rate rise keeps them near the five-week lows touched last week, while elections in Europe create uncertainty and fuels investor buying.
US stocks ended little changed in light volume on Monday, with traders eyeing a Federal Reserve meeting expected to result in an interest rate increase later this week.
The Australian share market has closed lower after suffering widespread losses across the financials, healthcare and retail sectors and a sharp sell-off in energy companies.
The Australian share market is off to a weak start, despite gains on Wall Street on Friday, as investors turn nervous ahead of key global macro-economic and political events later this week.
Coalition split over Hanson dealsMalcolm Turnbull has put himself on a collision course with elements of his party by refusing to rule out preference d
Oil have again skidded again, pushing prices to three-month lows as investors continue to flee bullish positions on worries that OPEC-led production cuts have not yet reduced a global glut of crude.
Gold has recovered from an early drop to five-week lows after a US non-farm payrolls report for February failed to meet elevated expectations, prompting a drop in the US dollar and Treasury yields.
Gas majors called to fix ‘energy crisis'Big gas producers are scrambling to come up with solutions to a looming domestic gas shortage to avoid potential restrictions on
Gold has fallen for the sixth straight session, reaching a five-week low, with analysts expecting further losses as investors become increasingly certain that US interest rates will rise this month.
Oil prices have slid nearly 3 per cent, extending the previous session's dive that brought prices to the lowest levels this year, as record US crude inventories fed doubts about whether OPEC-led supply cuts would reduce a global glut.
Power, gas crises stall tax cutsSenate powerbroker Nick Xenophon says he will not negotiate over passage of company tax cuts until the government deals
The Australian dollar has slipped against its US counterpart, which lifted as strong US payrolls data underlined expectations of a lift in US interest rates.
Oil prices plunged 5 per cent to their lowest levels this year on Wednesday as U.S. crude inventories surged much more than expected to a record high, stoking concerns a global glut could persist even as OPEC tries to prop up prices with output curbs.
Oil prices are little changed, as growing US production expectations offset earlier gains after Saudi Arabia's oil minister said market fundamentals were improving.
