AAP

The Australian dollar is lower on the back of strong consumer confidence and home sales figures in the US.

World oil prices have diverged, holding close to recent peaks amid ongoing concerns over violence in crude-producer Iraq.

US stocks have dropped despite solid economic data in a decline analysts attributed to profit taking and the ongoing Sunni insurgent attacks in Iraq.

Media reports suggesting BHP Billiton is set to slash 3,000 positions from its workforce are inaccurate, Premier Colin Barnett says.

The share market has fallen in a subdued day of trade, with no economic data to influence investors and flat leads from overseas markets.

The share market has opened weaker following mixed leads overnight from overseas markets.

Australia needs to have a grown-up conversation about the GST if the states are expected to fulfil their responsibilities.

The Australian dollar remains above 94 US cents on the back of surprisingly strong Chinese manufacturing figures.

World oil prices have fallen as investors reassess a political crisis in Iraq that remains concerning but is yet to result in crude supply disruptions.

US stocks have finished little changed following mixed economic data as investors keep watch on continued unrest in major oil-producer Iraq.

Australian Sandalwood producer TFS Corporation predicts it will generate exports of $1 billion over the next decade as its oil fetches $5,000 per kilogram overseas.

The tough federal budget has exacerbated already difficult market conditions for grocery wholesaler Metcash.

The share market has posted solid gains as investors were buoyed by China's best manufacturing activity data in six months.

The Department of Mines and Petroleum has given the green light to Buru Energy's planned fracking program at a gas project in the Kimberley.

The Australian share market is higher following a strong lead from Wall Street.

Welfare cuts due to come into effect next week are in limbo with the federal government conceding it has run out of time to pass the measures through parliament.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower as investors await the release of key Chinese economic data.

Gold prices have risen to within striking distance of a 10-week high as some investors breath easier after the Federal Reserve stuck to a dovish monetary policy while others buy the precious metal amid worries about Iraq.

US stocks jumped to fresh records this week as the Federal Reserve's promise of continued low interest rates offset turmoil in Iraq that lifted oil prices.

Australian shares slumped on Friday, giving up most of the previous day's gains.

Economy-wide spending has fallen, weighed down by weaker consumer confidence brought about by the tough federal budget.

Westfield will leave its Australian shopping centres behind in search of growth opportunities overseas after winning a tough shareholder battle over its $70 billion restructure.

The share market has opened lower as the major miners and big four banks all post losses.

The Australian dollar has backed away from its two-month high as traders sell the currency and take profits.

Gold prices have posted the biggest daily gain in nine months, driven by investors who were caught flat-footed by the Federal Reserve's outlook for continued low interest rates.

$10b ore project takes shape

Another 230 Ford workers will be clocking out for the last time as part of the car maker's planned exit from manufacturing in Australia, a union says.

The S&P 500 has edged to a new record as investors weighed solid economic data with ongoing violence in Iraq that pushed oil prices to a new nine-month high.

Oil prices have soared on escalating violence in Iraq, as government troops recaptured a major refinery and the US said it was sending in military advisers to train Iraqi forces.

Australian shares have rallied after the US central bank decided to retain ultra-low interest rates.

Stockland boss Mark Steinert has indicated the company may not increase its $2.5 billion bid for rival property developer Australand to match a higher bid from Singapore.

The competition watchdog is taking legal action against Virgin Australia and Jetstar, accusing them of slapping hidden fees on passengers seeking discount airfares.