AAP

Australian shares closed sharply higher, extending earlier gains in the day, led by bargain hunters on the back of positive company results.

Almost half of Australia's voters believe the world is on the cusp of another widespread financial crisis, while over a third say it is a 50-50 call, a new survey has found.

ThinkSmart has increased first half profit by five per cent as the computer and office equipment leasing company recorded a strong performance in the UK.

Shares in Leighton Holdings have jumped more than seven per cent as the construction giant forecasts a "positive" long-term outlook and a return to profit in fiscal 2012.

Mining company Mirabela Nickel has posted a first half $US37.2 million ($A36.1 million) net loss because of costs associated with ramping up operations at its flagship mine in Brazil.

An Australian Greens push to give farmers a greater say over coal seam gas miners accessing their land looks set to fail, with Opposition Leader Tony Abbott changing his tune on a veto.

The Australian market has opened the week higher, buoyed by the gains at the end of last week.

The Australian dollar was nearly one US cent higher this morning, as the dust settled after last week's wild ride.

The wildest week in Wall Street since 2008 ended with a second day of gains.

High court ramps up pressure – The Fin; States warned on $30bn bid – The Aus; Markets hope for confidence shot – The Aus; Sunday shopping pledge sparks pay rates dispute – The West; Green delays hold back $220m Ord River plan – The West

Security contractor G4S has been fined $285,000 for its part in the death of a man in the back of a prison van in the goldfields region.

A former business manager at Curtin University in Perth has pleaded guilty to 54 charges of stealing more than $570,000 from her employer.

The Australian market closed higher today but whittled back earlier strong gains on profit-taking.

Consumers could be slugged more for everything from fruit and veg to the latest designer fashions due to a rise in EFTPOS transaction fees, the nation's peak small business group warns.

Australia's securities watchdog is calling for greater disclosure of the extreme risks of an investment product marketed at Mum and Dad investors.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is demanding answers from the federal opposition over how it intends to make up a "$70 billion black hole" in its budget costings.

The federal government is not yet considering a new stimulus package, despite signs the economy is slowing.

Former ABC Learning Centres boss Eddy Groves is expected to learn next week when he will stand trial on a charge relating to the collapse of Australia's biggest childcare chain.

The Australian share market opened strongly this morning, following rebounds overnight in Europe and on Wall Street, ahead of what is tipped to be a quiet day of trading.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is committed to introducing the carbon tax despite global economic turmoil and calls from the opposition for the controversial policy to be dropped.

The Australian dollar has opened more than half a US cent higher this morning, following an overnight rally on global equity markets sparked by a recovery in risk sentiment.

US stocks made another dramatic comeback after a stunning fall on Thursday, in another day of extreme volatility in markets around the world.

Watchdog warns about full cost of green power - The West; Key MPs demand to see mining fine print – The West; Jobs threat as steel buckles – The Aus; Woodside to stand firm on Browse – The Aus; Court blow to Perdaman bid to halt Griffin – The West

The Australian share market recovered from earlier heavy loses to close flat after a better than expected profit from Telstra offset negative offshore leads.

A Perth couple who returned home to find their property had been sold without their knowledge or permission might not be the only victims of a real estate scam targeting absent owners.

Perth-based Protean Energy has signed agreement with the Shire of Northampton that paves the way towards installing a commercial-sized wave energy conversion platform north of Geraldton.

Telecommunications provider Optus has posted a 4.9 per cent fall in quarterly profit to $161 million, describing the result as "resilient" amid intense competition and discounting.

Federal government plans to return the budget to surplus in 2012-13 will be just "a dream" by the weekend, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Inbound passengers at all of Australia's international airports are expected to be hit by delays this afternoon as government quarantine staff walk off the job.

Cooper Energy shares jumped after the junior oil and gas producer said it had been approached by several parties for a merger or outright takeover.

India's prime minister has pulled out of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, stunning organisers who considered him a major drawcard for the October event.

David Jones has downgraded its profit forecast for the first half of fiscal 2012 as first quarter sales show no improvement from the preceding quarter.