AAP

Strength in the resources sector has driven the share market higher, due to optimism about China's economy.

Westpac will donate $100 million to set up Australia's largest private scholarship program, giving university students the opportunity to study in Asia.

More job losses are on the cards in the eastern states, with BP closing its Bulwer Island refinery in Brisbane and cigarette maker Philip Morris closing its Australian manufacturing operations.

The Australian share market has opened higher after United States and European markets lifted overnight.

Legal firm Maurice Blackburn says it is looking at launching a class action against QBE following the insurance giant's share price collapse in late 2013.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower following its rally on the back of the Reserve Bank decision to leave the cash rate at its record low.

The S&P 500 has closed at a new record as US stocks rallied following solid economic data and Federal Reserve reassurance of support for the recovering economy.

Gold futures have fallen to a seven-week low as signs of stronger US economic activity and subsiding tensions in Eastern Europe sap investor interest in the haven asset.

Former Treasurer Troy Buswell has been charged with 11 traffic offences in connection with an early morning incident in Perth's western suburbs in February.

The share market has closed lower despite pulling back most of its early losses after official data showed a slight improvement in China's manufacturing activity.

Federal opposition leader Bill Shorten has led a rally of thousands of disgruntled educators in Perth, who have closed more than 100 schools with a strike protesting education funding cuts.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate on hold, saying the current level of 2.5 per cent will help to stimulate growth while keeping inflation under control.

Three former directors of kitchen appliance distributor Kleenmaid have been charged with 20 criminal offences, including allegedly cheating Westpac of $13 million.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has received the final report of the Productivity Commission's inquiry into the car industry.

The share market has made a better than expected start to the week, with gains in most sectors.

Coalition to ‘refine’ $22bn NDIS

US stocks have surged on the back of a rebound in technology stocks, helped by Janet Yellen's assurance the Federal Reserve will continue to support the economy.

The Australian dollar has bounced after Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen made dovish remarks about the US economy's recovery.

Oil prices fell as dealers booked profits after strong gains last week fuelled by positive US economic data and tensions over Ukraine.

The share market has posted gains after a positive lead from global markets and more encouraging local economic data.

Several days illegally blockading Melbourne building sites has cost Australia's biggest construction union more than $1 million, in what builders have called a defining moment for the industry.

Qantas has unveiled a new loyalty program for small and medium sized businesses, just days after the airline angered passengers with changes to its main frequent flyer offering.

Billionaire Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings has lodged a takeover bid for debt laden oil and gas company Nexus Energy, in a deal that values Nexus at $26.6 million.

The share market has made a better than expected start to the week, with gains in most sectors.

Treasurer Joe Hockey has warned no individual or business will escape the pain of the government's first budget, as both major parties blitzed Western Australia ahead of Saturday's Senate election re-run.

Inflation has continued to rise, signalling the beginning of the end for the record low cash rate.

Better-than-expected numbers on US consumer incomes and spending has given Wall Street shares a boost, as investors shrugged off sabre-rattling over Ukraine.

Gold prices have ended marginally lower, as a pair of economic reports give conflicting indications about the state of the US recovery.

The Australian dollar has drifted lower ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's April board meeting.

The Australian dollar has edged closer to 93 US cents and could soon hit a near-six month high of 95 US cents, traders say.

Federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has struck an historic deal with his state and territory counterparts that could see billions of dollars of new infrastructure built across the nation.

The share market has closed higher as stronger commodity prices boosted the resources sector, while the major banks also rose.