The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 4.4 per cent on Monday, dropping below the 11,000 level for the first time since November.

The price of gold streaked past $US1,700 ($A1,632.18) an ounce for the first time on Monday.

Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi have made an informal offer to buy NSW-based Coal & Allied.

Strong credit growth drove a 41% annual profit surge for Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, setting a good omen for rival banks.

Job advertisements have declined in July, suggesting employment growth will moderate in coming months, a survey shows.

Gunns shares have been suspended from trading while the company considers the implications of a $276 million government forestry agreement.