AAP

The ASX has fallen 1.1 per cent, its biggest drop in six weeks, driven by the big banks and higher-than-expected US inflation figures.

The federal government will need to agree to stop new coal and gas projects opening if it wants the Greens' help on a signature emissions reduction measure.

Australia's biggest lender has lifted its half-year cash profit by 9 per cent and lifted interim dividend by 20 per cent to $2.10 a share.

The Reserve Bank's former governor has delivered a scathing assessment of its recent performance as current chief Philip Lowe faces a parliamentary grilling.

The Australian share market has finished up 0.2 per cent ahead of the release of another inflation readout in the US.

Media conglomerate Seven West will not pay out a dividend after a decrease in half-yearly earnings, despite strong digital growth.

With the coalition set to oppose a major Labor election promise on housing, the Greens want a number of improvements to the proposed $10 billion fund.

The latest cash rate hike has mortgage holders worried as consumer confidence sinks to the lows of the pandemic.

The local bourse closed down 0.2 per cent, its fifth day of losses in the past six sessions, as one of the busiest weeks of Australian earnings season began.

Cabinet minister Bill Shorten has defended Philip Lowe's decision to give a private briefing to bankers about interest rate rises.

Australian shares have finished down 0.8 per cent for the day and 1.7 per cent for the week as optimism fades for a central bank pivot away from rate hikes.

A telecommunications company has become the first to breach Australia's strict anti-SMS scam rules after failing to comply with new industry regulations.

The ASX has had its worst loss in over a month after US Federal Reserve officials flagged more action to combat inflation was needed.

Housing Minister Julie Collins has introduced legislation to set up a housing future fund which aims to increase the number of social and affordable homes.

The trade minister says an improvement in the trade relationship with Beijing is welcome as the first coal shipment in years awaits Chinese customs clearance.

The ASX200 has finished up 0.35 per cent after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell struck a moderate tone in a question-and-answer session in Washington.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says while the recent interest rate hike would slow the economy, forecasts show Australia would not go into a recession.

The Australian share market has fallen 0.5 per cent, notching its worst loss in a month after the RBA indicated it would keep hiking rates.

As the Reserve Bank board prepares to announce an expected 25 basis point rise in the cash rate, figures show Australian trade surplus slipping.

A Liberal-Nationals decision to oppose Labor's National Reconstruction Fund has been described as being "out of touch'' with the needs of the country.

The ASX has fallen 0.25 per cent after a better-than-expected US jobs report and ahead of the Reserve Bank's latest decision on rate hikes.

Australia's biggest goldminer says it has received a tentative $24.3 billion takeover offer from the world's largest one.

The latest retail figures show Australians are tightening their spending, falling 0.2 per cent in the December quarter.

The local bourse has finished the day up 0.6 per cent in its best performance in almost three weeks, closing at its highest level since April 21.

Stormy economic conditions have slowed hiring but some industries, especially those reliant on in-person attendance, are still recruiting.

Australia's foreign and defence ministers have met in London ahead of Defence Minister Richard Marles flying to the United States to meet his counterpart.

The Australian share market rose after the US Fed chief hinted that an end to the tightening cycle was in sight, but the bourse's gains ebbed late in the day.

Anthony Albanese wants federal, state and territory healthcare systems to work together better but faces calls from leaders to increase Commonwealth spending.

Australia's economy is tracking toward a soft landing but the International Monetary Fund envisions more cash rate increases in 2023.

The local bourse has closed up 0.3 per cent, with the benchmark ASX200 index finishing at more than 7,500 for the first time since April 22.

Australia and China's trade ministers are preparing for a virtual meeting as Canberra continues to pressure Beijing into dropping trade sanctions.

The voluntary administrators to Sun Cable say the sale process has commenced for the $30 billion solar project, with binding proposals due by the end of April.