The Australian share market gained nearly 0.7 per cent but it was considered disappointing given the stronger leads provided by European and US markets.
The Australian dollar has surged past 81 US cents to an almost four month high on speculation the Federal Reserve could delay raising its interest rate.
Wall Street stocks have finished lower as worries over higher US Treasury bond yields offset Verizon's $US4.4 billion ($A5.58 billion) takeover of AOL.
The share market has finished weaker for the third straight day as the Reserve Bank's monetary policy statement took the shine off banking stocks and falling crude oil prices belted energy stocks.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has refused to rule out further interest rate cuts amid concerns about slowing Chinese growth and weak business investment in Australia.
Former federal Treasury secretary Ken Henry will take the helm of National Australia Bank’s board when chairman Michael Chaney retires at its next annual general meeting in December.
Boutique Subiaco-based technology company Velpic has signed a $5.2 million deal to finance international growth plans, as part of a reverse takeover by east coast-based International Coal.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has denied reports he was told coalition MPs want Treasurer Joe Hockey dumped if next week's federal budget flops with voters.