Australia's share market has closed lower and hovered around the 6,000 points mark after investors were surprised by a Queensland decision to close its borders.
Oil prices sank overnight following poor US economic figures and after US President Donald Trump roiled markets with a suggestion that the nation should delay its November presidential election.
Gold prices dipped overnight as investors holding short positions took profits after nine straight sessions of gains, although the outlook remained bullish with prices hovering near a record peak.
Western Australia's COVID-19 hotel quarantine system is again under scrutiny as the federal government continues to heap pressure on the state over its border closure.
Gold prices gained in volatile trade overnight, nearing the last session's record peak at one point, after the US Federal Reserve vowed to keep interest rates near zero as the rapid rise in coronavirus cases dampens hopes for an economic recovery.
Oil prices fell overnight as US lawmakers prepared to wrangle over an economic stimulus package and investors worried about a rise in coronavirus cases worldwide.
Gold gained overnight as US Federal Reserve policymakers began a meeting that is expected to provide more monetary stimulus to support the coronavirus-hit American economy, though bullion pulled back from an all-time high reached earlier.
Refund point operators and processors taking part in Western Australia's container deposit scheme will receive more than $830,000 to help with financial hardship caused by COVID-19.
Oil prices rose overnight on hopes that stimulus efforts will help revitalise the US economy, but the gains were capped by rising coronavirus cases and tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Gold stormed to a record high overnight as investors sought refuge from the possible hit to a pandemic-stricken global economy from an escalation in the US-China spat, which pummelled the US dollar.
