Downer EDI says it's unclear whether market volatility will have a negative effect on future projects after the company posted a $27.8 million full year loss.

Ports and rail operator Asciano has returned to profit, boosted by more coal contracts in Queensland and fewer one-off charges.

Macarthur Coal has nearly doubled its full year profit due to record high prices but has warned its production costs will also soar this year.

Qantas says it expects to improve yields in the first half of 2011/12 in a challenging and volatile operating environment.

Gold topped $US1,900 per ounce for a new record but pulled back sharply in later trade as bulls returned to Wall Street and the euro made an upward jump.

News from the world’s major stock markets.