The Australian sharemarket fell to its lowest in almost four weeks as investors factored in the potential of a US rate hike.

The apparent willingness of Federal Reserve officials to increase US interest rates this year means incoming Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Philip Lowe may have the ability to hold on to the policy ammunition that his predecessor bequeaths him.

Reporting season is almost at an end and, despite the gloomy expectations, there are some positives.

China's regulators are intensifying scrutiny of unusual movements in stocks as they seek to damp speculation in the nation's financial markets.

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The ASX looks like it may have a tough day as materials and energy stocks will struggle in the stronger US dollar environment.

Retail sales and capex are data highlights this week, but attention remains on US interest rates ahead of payroll data.