AAP

Wall Street stocks have risen after the US Federal Reserve kept its near-zero benchmark interest rate unchanged and Chair Janet Yellen pledged a methodical approach to raising rates.

The Australian dollar is higher, buoyed by weakness in the US dollar which fell after the US Federal Reserve's meeting failed to spell out the timing of an interest rate hike.

Cash Converters International is close to settling a class action launched by customers who claimed they were charged excessive levels of interest and fees on personal loans.

Private security firm Serco has lost its contract with the state government to transport prisoners, midway through an inquiry into the service.

The Australian share market has closed one per cent higher, boosted mostly by the big four banks.

Australia has formalised the most liberal trade deal China has with any country.

Maverick Liberal backbencher Rob Johnson says "emperor" Colin Barnett can't dictate who the party endorses.

Woolworths's $3 billion bid to take Bunnings down a peg with its Masters hardware chain could come to an early end following the sudden resignation of the retailer's chief executive, Grant O'Brien.

The Australian share market is higher on strong leads from US and European markets, with the big banking stocks performing robustly in morning trade.

Oil prices in New York have moved higher, snapping a three-day losing streak ahead of a report on US petroleum supplies.

US stocks have snapped a two-day losing streak, finishing solidly higher ahead of a Federal Reserve policy announcement expected to shed light on the timing of interest rate hikes.

Gold prices have slipped as the US dollar firmed ahead of the outcome of the US Federal Reserve policy meeting

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, following the release of mixed US economic data.

The Australian share market has lost earlier gains to close in the red as two major global events hold investors back.

The long-awaited free trade agreement between Australia and China will be signed at a time when community concerns about Sino investment is on the rise.

Westpac will reap up to $700 million from selling off part of its controlling stake in BT Investment Management.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will keep a close watch on the economy in the coming months to assess whether more interest rate cuts are needed, as economic growth and business investment remain sluggish.

Billionaire Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is buying a $500 million stake in Insurance Australia Group after the two companies entered into a 10-year partnership.

Speculation is mounting that Labor's state secretary in Western Australia is being ousted from the role before his contract ends.

The Australian share market has had a flat opening after overseas markets fell on the back of worries about a possible Greek debt default.

Gold prices are higher, buoyed by the weak US dollar ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting.

The Australian dollar is higher, supported by a small rise in gold prices, and as the greenback weakened following the release of disappointing US economic data.

US stocks have dropped as worry about a Greek debt default more than offset a positive reaction to big deals in the pharmaceuticals and homebuilder sectors.

The Australian share market regained most of its losses from early in the session but still closed slightly lower as investors fretted over the continuing Greek debt saga.

Arrium will investigate selling its iron ore and steel businesses to try and fix its balance sheet, as the debt-laden group announced new impairments that take this year's total to $1.6 billion.

Grocery wholesaler Metcash will sell its automotive business to Burson Group for $275 million and cut food and grocery prices, as it struggles to compete with the major supermarkets.

Foxtel will take a 15 per cent stake in Network Ten after the two broadcasters signed a long awaited deal to bolster the third-placed free to air TV network.

Amcom Telecommunications shareholders have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a $1.2 billion tie-up with rival Vocus, defying TPG Telecom's attempts to block the deal.

Small businesses will get a tax cut from July after the Senate passed a budget package with little debate.

Average stamp duty costs have surged by up to a staggering 800 per cent in the past 20 years, a new analysis shows.

The Australian share market has opened lower, following falls in overseas stocks and metals prices on Friday.

Gold prices inched lower, shrugging off the slightly weaker US dollar, lower equity markets and uncertainty over the Greek debt crisis.