AAP

The merger of Australian Vanadium and Technology Metals creates the leading ASX-listed developer of the ore used in non-flammable, long-term batteries.

The ASX200 has closed at a new record high, boosted by cooler-than-expected inflation data that raises the chances of quicker rate hikes.

Half of the nation's high-income earners back Labor's proposed tax changes as analysis shows most of the benefits will still flow to the rich.

For a second time this month, the local share market came close to eclipsing its record high set back in mid-2021 but most of its gains faded in the afternoon.

The WA government has relaxed planning laws for granny flats in a bid to bolster housing supply.

Vacuum cleaner retailer Godfreys Group has entered voluntary administration, impacting about 15 stores across the Perth metropolitan area.

Consumers are shifting their spending habits ahead of Christmas to lean into discounting over the cyber weekend sale period.

The local share market rose 0.3 per cent to a nearly four-week peak and closed just 54 points away from its all-time high.

Anthony Albanese has challenged the crossbench to back in changes to stage three tax cuts, ahead of a regional sales pitch of the proposed reforms.

The Australian share market has climbed half a per cent as surging mining companies helped the index to its fifth successive day of gains.

The local share market has finished flat after resurgent mining stocks cancelled widespread losses in other sectors.

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has backed the supermarket's choice not to stock Australia Day merchandise as staff report more and more abuse.

The local bourse has climbed for its third consecutive session to finish half a per cent higher after more gains on Wall Street overnight.

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has announced his resignation from politics after 16 years in parliament, to take up roles in the private and global advisory sectors.

Anthony Albanese has promised middle Australia will be the focus of cost of living support, as speculation mounts on changes to stage three tax cuts.

The ASX200 climbed 0.8 per cent after US indices surged to record highs, despite falling lithium prices triggering a brutal sell off in mining stocks.

The local share market closed the day up one per cent but also lost one per cent for the week after losses Monday through Thursday.

The Nasdaq has gained 1.35 per cent to 15,055.65 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average has risen 0.54 per cent to 37,468.61 points.

The ASX200 has fallen 0.6 per cent as traders digested US retail sales data and a fall in Australian employment.

US retail sales beat expectations in December; S&P 500 -0.56 per cent, Nasdaq -0.59 per cent, Dow -0.25 per cent.

The local share market has dropped another 0.3 per cent and the Australian dollar has fallen to less than 66 US cents after hawkish talk from central bankers.

Every sector of the Australian Securities Exchange has closed lower, with energy and mining both falling 1.5 per cent.

The ASX200 has finished basically unchanged, with oil, gas and uranium companies doing well and lithium producers continuing their slide.

With many tens of thousands of employees working at Woolworths, a boycott could have a significant impact on retail workers, the PM has warned.

The local bourse closed the day 0.1 per cent lower to finish the week slightly higher, after alternating between gains and losses all week.

Another supermarket chain has joined Woolworths in choosing not to sell Australia Day merchandise in a move that sparked opposition calls for a boycott.

Draft laws for mandatory reporting of climate-related risks have been released by Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

The local bourse has finished up 0.5 per cent, with retailers such as JB-Hi Fi and Accent Group doing well amid signs of an uptick in consumer spending.

A plan to provide support and more sustainable job opportunities for Australians with disabilities and high support needs will be released by the government.

The Australian bourse gave up most of the previous day's gains, with the mining sector dropping 2.1 per cent, its worst day in nearly three months.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has fallen 157.85 points, or 0.42 per cent, to 37,525.16. The S&P 500 has lost 7.04 points, or 0.15 per cent.

The local share market finished up 0.9 per cent, with every sector in the green except for energy as risk appetite returned.