Mixed company earnings reports and a firmer expectation of a US interest rate hike this year have pushed the Australian share market lower.

Falls by the big banks and a poor earnings performance from AMP have contributed to a weak session for the share market.

Big falls by QBE Insurance and CSL due to disappointing earnings results have been offset by gains by BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

Financial and resource companies pushed the Australian share market lower after a quiet session on Wall Street.

A lift in the big banks has helped hold the Australian share market in positive territory for the fourth straight session.

A lift in prices for oil and iron ore have boosted the share market.