AAP

A loophole allowing labour hire workers to be paid less than other employees is in the federal government's sights.

The local share market has finished 0.4 per cent lower, snapping its four-day winning streak on profit-taking ahead of an key monthly US jobs report.

The head of the consumer watchdog wants Qantas to face a fine of $250 million if a cancelled tickets case against it is successful.

The local share market has finished 0.1 per cent higher, closing out August 1.4 per cent lower after being down as much as 4.3 per cent a week and a half ago.

Business investment has picked up because of solid growth across buildings, machinery and equipment, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says.

The consumer watchdog is taking Qantas to court, alleging the airline continued to sell tickets for 8000 flights that had already been cancelled.

The local share market has posted its best performance in since July 13, rising 1.2 per cent as cooling inflation reduced the odds of another rate hike.

Australia's financial regulator has laid out its expectations of lenders when it comes to supporting financially troubled customers.

The local share market has closed 0.7 per cent higher, with Wesfarmers climbing its farthest since February 2022.

The local share market finished up 0.6 per cent after a closely watched address by Fed chairman Jerome Powell at a summit of central bankers.

Concern about what Fed chairman Jerome Powell will say at a forthcoming meeting had the ASX closing down 0.9 per cent for the day and 0.5 per cent for the week.

Global investment firm PAG has bought hospitality group Australian Venue Co, owner of 210 pubs, bars and restaurants across Australia and New Zealand.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia is very exposed to the economic slowdowns taking place in China.

The ASX finished up 0.5 per cent, with more strong gains for tech stocks after Nvidia posted a "jaw-dropping" earnings beat.

Australians 40 years from now will live longer and have fewer children while the economy becomes greener, a landmark reports shows.

The local share market finished 0.4 per cent higher as traders digested earnings results from Woolworths, Domino's Pizza, Wisetech Global and more.

A recession over the coming year is highly unlikely, according to senior government sources, as the economy withstands global and domestic pressures.

The Australian share market has finished up 0.1 per cent with the tech sector enjoying a stellar day thanks in part to Altium and Megaport.

The ABC will get a new chairperson in 2024 with Ita Buttrose confirming she won't seek a second term as head of the public broadcaster.

Anthony Albanese says the country needs to "collectively plan'' for an ageing demographic, as the government prepares to release the Intergenerational Report.

US stocks have closed mostly higher as investors await comments from a meeting of central bankers at Jackson Hole later this week.

The ASX200 has closed down 0.46 per cent, dropping to its lowest level since June 8 as reporting season continues.

BlueScope Steel has suffered a 64 per cent dip in full-year profit after lower export prices and higher material costs dented earnings.

The local bourse finished the day flat to conclude the week down 2.6 per cent, its worst since a 3.9 per cent sell-off for the week ending September 2.

US stocks lost ground on Thursday as economic data suggested US interest rates might stay higher for longer than investors hoped.

The Australian share market closed down 0.7 per cent to a five-week low, while the local currency had dropped under 64 US cents on a weak jobs report.

Telstra chief executive Vicky Brady says Telstra's T25 strategy is on pace to deliver most of its objectives.

The local share market has finished down 1.5 per cent, with the technology, financials and materials sectors suffering even greater losses.

The company that owns Dan Murphy's, BWS and more than 300 licensed pubs in Australia says it made a $529 million profit on sales of $11.9 billion in 2022/23.

Ways to address the housing crisis will be canvassed in national cabinet as the political impasse continues over the government's housing future fund.

The local share market has finished up 0.4 per cent, with the health care sector enjoying solid gains led by CSL and Cochlear.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has flagged a new policy which could help Australian businesses compete against countries with weaker emissions settings.