AAP

The treasurer says Australia's foreign investment settings won't discriminate against certain countries, even as his reforms respond to geopolitical threats, the energy transition and shifts in the global economy.

High cost of living and tuition fees in Australia has knocked the country off the top spot in university rankings it shared with Canada, as uncertainty around government migration policy contributed to the fall.

The ASX200 has finished up 0.8 per cent, with every sector rising on the back of a tech-led rally on Wall Street.

A nickel explorer has formed a joint venture with two of Japan's industrial giants as Australia's allies move to secure long-term supplies of battery minerals.

The government claims it's anti-scam efforts are working after Australians' losses to scams declined for the first time in seven years.

The ASX200 has fallen 1.4 per cent as investors fear persistent inflation could convince the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates once more.

A study has found more than one-quarter of university boards are comprised of unelected corporate appointments, leading to calls for a governance overhaul.

The ASX200 gave up its gains to finish unchanged after a hotter-than-expected domestic CPI report made interest rate cuts less likely this year.

Australia's inflation rate has moderated further, despite coming in slightly above expectations at 3.6 per cent in the 12 months to March.

The ASX200 finished up 0.45 per cent, although goldminers, coalminers and uranium developers all ended well into the red.

The ASX200 climbed 1.1 per cent, with every sector in the green except for energy after the threat of war between Israel and Iran appeared to fade.

Global uncertainty has prompted the Treasury to downgrade its predictions of growth for major economies before the May federal budget.

The ASX200 fell one per cent on Friday to end a horror week for equity traders as rising tensions between Israel and Iran sent bonds and oil prices soaring.

The US Commerce Department is scaling back export control requirements for Australia and the UK to foster defence trade under the three countries' AUKUS security pact.

The ASX200 finished up 0.5 per cent as rising commodity prices helped the minerals-heavy index bounce back from a five-day losing streak.

The ASX200 finished down 0.1 per cent, giving up its modest morning gains, as Fed chairman Jay Powell spoke of keeping rates high for longer.

Anthony Albanese says a $400 million loan to the critical minerals sector will help expand exports into nearby southeast Asia.

The first national defence strategy will see a $50 billion boost to the sector over the next 10 years.

The ASX200 index has suffered its second-worst loss in 13 months, dropping to an eight-week low as prospects dimmed further for quick US rate cuts.

Woolworths chief executive Brad Banducci has defended the supermarket's practices at a fiery parliamentary inquiry hearing.

The ASX200 closed down 0.5 per cent to hit a nearly four-week low after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel.

A budget surplus is "still our goal" but the degree of difficulty has risen with global economic uncertainty hitting tax revenue, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.

A budget surplus is "still our goal" but the degree of difficulty has risen with global economic uncertainty hitting tax revenue, Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.

The ASX 200 dropped 0.3 per cent, although gold miners continued to shine as the precious metal threatened to break past through the $US2,400 mark.

Andrew Forrest's attempt to hold Facebook to account has been dropped as prosecutors decline to file a criminal indictment against its parent company Meta.

The ASX200 fell 0.4 per cent after a US inflation readout came in hotter than expected for a third straight month, dimming hopes for June rate cut.

Expert witnesses are giving evidence in the Federal Court case that will determine whether FMG should compensate Yindjibarndi people for mining on their land.

Anthony Albanese says the trilateral agreement would yield closer defence ties.

The ASX200 has finished 0.3 per cent higher, closing fewer than 50 points away from its record high in March.

A new workforce, financial incentives and protection for local content in solar panels, electric trucks and wind towers are part of a "superpower" blueprint.

Rio Tinto rose three per cent and BHP gained two per cent on Tuesday, helping boost the ASX200 to finish 0.5 per cent higher.

As AUKUS partners seek to work with Japan on technology sharing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the security pact won't formally grow to four countries.