AAP

US stocks have finished mostly higher following more-conciliatory statements by Russia's president amid the Ukraine crisis, but weak earnings from some technology stocks pushed the Nasdaq into the red.

The Australian share market has followed the global trend and has finished lower, with mining stocks taking the biggest hit.

The retail sector appears to be suffering a hangover after strong spending over the Christmas period and is unlikely to bounce back any time soon, according to analysts.

Stamp duty concessions for first home buyers appear set to be trimmed, with Premier Colin Barnett hinting the change will be among measures introduced in tomorrow's state budget.

Premier Colin Barnett has not ruled out the possibility of disgraced former treasurer Troy Buswell returning to his cabinet, but says it will not happen in the "medium term".

The share market is lower due to falls on overseas markets and uncertainty about what will be contained in next week's Federal budget.

Australia's construction industry is in decline as new mining projects dry up.

Gold prices slipped as investors took profits from the previous session's three-week high.

The Australian dollar has rallied above 93 US cents following a sharp US dollar sell-off overnight.

US stocks have retreated as a sell-off in Twitter revived worries about the tech sector and disappointing earnings from insurer AIG hit financial stocks.

The share market has closed higher after a late rally boosted most sectors.

The federal government is under pressure to rethink a planned tax increase and pension changes in next week's budget, with a new poll showing support for the coalition has fallen to its lowest level in almost four years.

Former Treasurer Troy Buswell says he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but has refused to address claims he was drunk when he crashed his car several times on the short journey home from a wedding.

Contractor Leighton Holdings is predicting a potential increased profit in 2014 after reporting higher first quarter earnings and revenue.

The Australian share market is higher as investors remain optimistic about the local economy.

Wesfarmers says the average price it receives for its metallurgical coal will be about 16 per cent weaker in the June quarter.

David Jones has lifted its third quarter sales 4.1 per cent, with strong growth in a number of key categories.

The Australian dollar is lower, weighed down by weaker-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data.

US stocks have finished higher after struggling to get out of the losing column, shrugging off poor industrial data from China and growing violence in Ukraine.

Oil prices have dipped after a disappointing manufacturing report on China raised concerns about crude demand, overshadowing worries about growing violence in the Ukraine crisis.Oil prices dip after weak China data

The Australian share market has finished flat as gains among the miners were offset by falls in the financial sector.

Woolworths says it has terminated its relationship with one of its fruit and vegetable suppliers in Western Australia after it was alleged the supplier was linked to money laundering and harbouring illegal overseas workers.

Australia's consumer watchdog is taking Wesfarmers subsidiary Coles to court, accusing the supermarket giant of "unconscionable" conduct towards 200 food and grocery suppliers.

The Australian share market is up after Australia's second largest bank, Westpac, announced a big rise in earnings and signs the US economy is strengthening.

Australia's second-largest bank Westpac has lifted its first half cash profit to a record to $3.77 billion despite tighter margins.

Gold has closed at a three-week high as worries about escalating violence in Ukraine bolstered investor demand for the haven asset.

The Australian dollar has regained ground following losses on the back of stronger-than-expected US jobs figures.

Coalition's $10bn clearanceAustralians will be asked to accept more than $10 billion in asset sales to pay for new road and rail projects as the Abbott government seeks to

US stocks have finished higher for the week, even with intensifying concerns over Ukraine partially offsetting positive sentiment from some strong economic reports and accelerating Wall Street deal-making.

New home sales continued to strengthen during the March quarter, according to the Housing Industry Association.

The Australian share market has closed slightly higher as investors wait on the release of important jobs numbers in the US.

Australians born from 1965 will have to wait until they turn 70 before being eligible for the age pension, federal Treasurer Joe Hockey has confirmed.