AAP

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 2.5 per cent, amid signs that the local economy is starting to improve.

The Australian market has opened flat after already adjusting to the news of unrest in Ukraine.

Federal government plans to allow Qantas to be majority foreign-owned appear stuck on the runway, with only two of six key crossbenchers supporting the coalition in the new Senate.

US stocks have fallen sharply as investors recoiled from equities in the face of mounting tensions over Ukraine.

Global oil prices have soared to the highest levels this year as the Ukraine crisis raised concerns about disruptions to energy supplies.

The Australian dollar is treading water as the Ukraine crisis hits appetite for riskier assets.

Electrical and homewares retailer Harvey Norman has lifted its half year profit by 36 per cent, overcoming a tough retail market to grow sales.

The sharemarket took a slight fall on the last day of the month, but enjoyed growth in February after a solid corporate earnings season.

Western Australia will go back to the polls on April 5, after governor Malcolm McCusker confirmed the date of the re-run of last year's Senate election.

Woolworths has lifted its first half profit 14.5 per cent amid solid sales growth from its core supermarkets business.

The Australian share market has opened flat following weak overseas leads from the US.

Virgin Australia has slumped to a first half loss of $83.7 million as it fights to take market share from rival Qantas.

The S&P 500 has set a new record close as buyers pushed up stocks helped by a cautiously positive view of the economy from Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

Federal MP Clive Palmer has indicated he won't support law changes that would allow Qantas to be foreign-owned as the embattled carrier's chief prepares to meet union officials for crisis talks.

Gold futures have risen after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said recent data have pointed to softness in the US economy, increasing demand for the precious metal as an alternative investment.

The Australian dollar is firmer, having regained some ground after slumping on weaker-than-expected business investment data.

Industrial relations is set to become a new political battleground after the Abbott government introduced wide-ranging changes to workplace law.

The sharemarket has closed lower due to a worse than expected fall in business investment in the December quarter.

Ship builder Austal expects to meet its full year revenue target after reporting a 76 per cent increase in first half profit.

Business investment in Australia had an unexpectedly large fall in the last three months of 2013, led by a big drop in mining related investment.

The Australian share market has opened flat following weak overseas leads from the US.

Qantas will axe 5,000 jobs in a bid to dramatically cut costs after posting a $252 million first half loss.

Global oil prices have risen, with US prices gaining a boost from a bullish stockpiles report and another wintry blast hitting the country.

US stocks have finished with modest gains as investors look ahead to Thursday's congressional testimony by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen.

The Australian dollar has fallen as the greenback edges higher ahead of Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen's Congressional testimony.

Resources stocks have weighed on the local sharemarket due to investor concerns about the Chinese economy and weaker commodities prices.

Engineering giant WorleyParsons will review its global business after profit fell by almost 30 per cent, fuelling speculation of more restructuring and job cuts.

Shopping centre giant Westfield Group has suffered a 6.7 per cent slide in its full year profit.

The Australian share market has opened flat following weak overseas leads from the US.

Wall Street stocks have fallen following weak US economic data and a mixed outlook from JPMorgan Chase on some of its key business units.

Oil prices sank as traders expected a rise in US commercial crude stockpiles and worried about China's economic health.

The Australian dollar has fallen slightly as global risk appetite softens.