AAP

The Australian share market is expected to open in positive territory on Tuesday in the absence of any significant data in the US.

Mining giant Rio Tinto has loaded 200 million tonnes of iron ore with its fleet of 53 autonomous trucks.

Almost 1,000 sharks could be caught in the next three years if the state government's controversial shark kill policy were to continue, but fewer than 25 of these would be great whites.

Former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski says tertiary education is now more accessible than ever before as he is honoured for his work in the sector.

The Australian share market has closed higher in the wake of the European Central Bank's economic stimulus measures and ahead of jobs figures to be released in the United States overnight.

Australia's construction industry remains in decline as weakness in engineering and commercial construction outweighs strength in home building.

The Australian share market has opened higher after the European Central Bank announced measures to bolster eurozone growth.

The Australian dollar has jumped after the European Central Bank lowered one of its key interest rates into negative territory for the first time.

Gold prices rose after the European Central Bank moved deposit rates into negative territory in an effort to boost inflation.

The Dow and the S&P 500 have bolted to new records after the European Central Bank launched aggressive measures to stimulate fragile eurozone growth and avert deflation.

The Australian share market has closed slightly lower as investors await the outcome of a European Central Bank monthly policy meeting overnight.

Falling prices for coal and iron ore have seen Australia's trade balance fall into the red following five consecutive months of surplus.

Premier Colin Barnett continues to beat the drum for the state's fair share of GST, calling for more of his federal counterparts to stick up for the west.

The share market is flat in early trade as investors take a cautious approach ahead of an anticipated rate cut by the European Central Bank.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has cut about 100 staff from its iron ore division headquarters in Perth.

US stocks have risen, pushing the S&P 500 to a record close, following mixed economic data a day ahead of the closely watched meeting of the European Central Bank.

Copper prices recorded their steepest drop in seven weeks on concerns that a Chinese probe into the use of metal for obtaining loans would hurt demand.

The Australian dollar has continued to rise on surprisingly strong economic growth figures.

The Australian share market has closed lower as investors shrugged off better-than-expected headline economic growth figures and decided to take profits ahead of a key European Central Bank meeting on Thursday.

Australia's economy grew at its fastest pace in two years during the March quarter, boosted by a big surge in mining exports.

The share market has opened lower as investors trade cautiously ahead of the release of economic growth figures.S

Westfield Retail Trust (WRT) has warned its shareholders will be worse off if they reject a controversial merger plan with Westfield Group's Australian assets.

Gold futures posted a slight gain as a retreat in US equities and a weaker dollar perked up investor interest in the haven asset.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower after getting a boost on Tuesday from the Reserve Bank's monthly statement.

Exports defy budget gloom

Wall Street stocks have retreated from Monday's records as investors looked ahead to Thursday's European Central Bank meeting and Friday's monthly US jobs report.

Westfield Retail Trust is in court to seek approval to conclude an investor vote on a controversial proposed merger with the Australasian business of Westfield Group.

Retail spending is growing at a sluggish pace not helped by weakening consumer confidence, with the latest figures again coming in below forecasts.

The Australian share market has closed lower as weaker than expected retail figures and uninspiring commentary from the Reserve Bank of Australia weighed on investor sentiment.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 2.5 per cent, as the local economy shows signs of improvement.

The Australian share market was weaker in early trade ignoring positive leads out of the US overnight.

The Australian dollar is weaker on the back of disappointing local building approvals figures.