AAP

The S&P 500 has set a new record as US stocks powered higher, shrugging off geopolitical problems elsewhere and gaining from fresh signs of strength in the US economy.

The Australian dollar has rebounded back above 93 US cents after losing ground on Thursday on the back of weak Chinese manufacturing data.

Oil prices have been pushed higher after a batch of solid economic data in the United States, the world's top consumer of crude, lifted demand hopes.

After a stellar start, the Australian share market has been reined in by disappointing Chinese manufacturing figures.

Unions have called on mining giant BHP Billiton to guarantee entitlements and enterprise agreements for workers affected by its demerger.

Cash Converters is expecting a stronger year ahead after new regulations on lending hit its earnings.

An improving housing market has helped Mirvac Group to triple its full-year profit, with the property group expecting to grow its earnings further over the next 12 months.

Caltex says it will defend claims by Australia's consumer watchdog, that it used a third-party website to collude with other major players on petrol prices.

Qantas said it is yet to make a decision on the future of its profitable frequent flyer business.

The Australian share market has pushed again to new post-global financial crisis highs, following an encouraging lead from the United States market and positive sentiment generated by local company earnings.

The Australian dollar is lower after minutes from the US Federal Reserve's last meeting suggested intensifying debate over plans for a rate hike.

Global oil prices have rebounded from multi-month lows after a surprisingly big drop in US oil inventories.

Wall Street stocks have finished mostly higher as US Federal Reserve minutes showed rising debate over recent improvements in the jobs market.

The share market has closed higher as a positive investor response to a generous payout from Coles owner Wesfarmers outweighed a sharp fall in BHP Billiton shares.

Clive Palmer hung up the phone during a radio interview to avoid answering questions about controversial comments made by a senator from his party.

Australia needs to grasp opportunities to expand into the Chinese food and milk markets as quickly as possible, Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens said.

The share market has opened slightly lower due to a big drop by mining giant BHP Billiton.

Wesfarmers will give an extra $1.1 billion back to shareholders after lifting its full year profit 19 per cent.

Woodside Petroleum has increased half-year net profit by 27 per cent and says it is confident about gas demand despite a large number of new projects coming online.

The Australian dollar is weaker against the strengthening greenback, following promising US economic data.

The government has warned MP Clive Palmer against using his position in parliament to insult China amid a high profile legal battle with a Chinese company.

World oil prices have fallen, with the New York benchmark below $US95 a barrel for the first time since January ahead of the weekly US inventories report and the contract's expiration.

US stocks have finished with solid gains following encouraging economic data and a solid earnings report from Home Depot.

BHP Billiton has lifted its full-year profit by 23 per cent, while at the same time confirming it will spin-off its aluminium, coal, manganese and silver assets into a new company, which is set to be headquartered in Perth.

The Australian share market has closed higher as better than expected corporate earnings reports and expectations of a good result from global miner BHP Billiton boosted sentiment.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future amid growing uncertainty about the economy.

Palmer United Party senator Jacqui Lambie has accused the government of refusing to listen to crossbenchers during drawn-out budget negotiations.

A private equity firm is holding onto its stake in Dick Smith Electronics as the retailer expects profit and sales to grow in the year ahead.

Treasurer Joe Hockey says Clive Palmer's extraordinary televised tirade against China is hugely damaging for Australia.

QBE Group expects the asset sales and equity raising to improve the quality and flexibility of its balance sheet and help lift the company's performance.

Steel and mining group Arrium is targeting further earnings growth after lifting its full year profit 83 per cent.

The Australian stock market is higher, following strong leads from the US and Europe.