US stocks have finished mixed after economic data gave no clear direction on the economy, and as investors awaited a key speech by Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke on Friday.
Weaker commodity prices have helped the Australian dollar drift to a fresh one month low while traders sit tight ahead of a closely-watched US Federal Reserve summit.
The Australian dollar fell to its lowest level in a month, amid negative sentiment about China's economic outlook and speculation that Australia's mining boom might be waning.
The Australian share market has closed slightly lower as investors wait to see if the United States and China will take further measures to stimulate their economies.
US stocks turned lower this week after six straight weekly gains as fresh signs of frailty in the global economy emerged and a number of companies cut their corporate profit forecasts.
The Australian dollar is at it's lowest level in five weeks amid pessimism about the outcome of talks between the Greece, French and German leaders on the weekend.
Sharp falls by blue chips Boeing and Hewlett-Packard have helped give US stocks their worst day so far this month, amid more signs of weak growth in major economies.
The top brass of the Reserve Bank of Australia will face further grillings about scandals involving its note-making companies when they appear before a powerful parliamentary committee.
The Australian share market has opened higher following mixed results from Wall Street and Europe overnight and amid renewed hopes of fresh economic stimulus in the US.
The Australian dollar briefly rose above the 105 US cents after the central bank board minutes confirmed a positive outlook for the Australian economy.
Australian shares closed at near four-month high, with investor confidence buoyed by strong earnings reports and positive views on housing and investment by the central bank.
