Traders betting on further gains in the US dollar aren't being dissuaded by its slump late last week after the February employment report showed robust jobs growth

China's industrial output grew more than 6 percent in January and February, a vice chairman of the state economic planner said on Sunday, adding that the survey-based unemployment rate in 31 major cities was about 5 percent for the two-month period.

Like moths drawn irresistibly to light, the surge in the price of cobalt has got some market hopefuls looking to a new lease on life

Global equities have fallen into a bit of a rut, local shares too, as investors wait to hear whether the US central bank raises interest rates this week.

The Fed meeting and the Dutch elections will determine whether US 10-year bonds move firmly into "bear territory".

In the next 10 weeks $22.3 billion in dividends – about 1.3 per cent of GDP – will be paid out by Australian companies to local and overseas shareholders.