Australian stocks are showing signs of a rebound today, with energy players leading the way after the price of crude oil hit a fresh two year high in New York overnight.

The energy sector is up 1.1pct with shares in Woodside Petroleum (WPL) firmer by 1.7pct to $42.94 and Santos (STO) up 1.4pct to $13.37.

Financial stocks are generally firmer with the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) the best out of the big four, firmer by 1pct to $48.55.

Shares in index leader BHP Billiton (BHP) have added 0.5pct to $44.33 in early trade despite weaker metals trade in London.

Qantas (QAN) shares are enjoying more support today, firmer by 1.1pct at lunchtime to $2.83.

The Australian dollar has dipped against the major currencies after October Labour force data showed unemployment ticked up to 5.4pct last month. One Australian dollar is worth US$1.0023, £0.6211 and €72.71c.