AAP

Bega Cheese is considering whether it will join legal efforts to stall Canadian firm Saputo's takeover offer for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter.

There was a strong rise in construction work done figures for the September quarter but recent positive housing data does not seem to be translating into more homes being built.

Elders chief executive Malcolm Jackman says he is leaving the rural services provider in good shape - but not great shape.

Programmed Maintenance Services has recorded a flat half year profit despite taking a hit to revenue as a result of a slowdown in investment in the resources sector.

Australian stocks have opened virtually flat amid weakness in resources stocks and moderate gains for the big four banks.

The Australian dollar has recovered some ground after falling to a fresh three-month low amid increasing expectations of an interest rate cut in early 2014 and profit-taking.

US stocks have ticked slightly higher, but the Nasdaq has surged past the 4,000 mark for the first time in 13 years.

Retailer Harvey Norman says a rise in consumer confidence since the federal election has not provided a boost in its sales.

Almost 200 police officers are set to quit the Western Australian force under a voluntary severance scheme designed to ease pressure on the state budget and put more police on the streets.

The Australian sharemarket has closed higher for the third straight day, driven by gains among the big banks.

The federal government will go back to the drawing board on schools funding from 2015 after finding what it says is a $1.2 billion shortfall in Labor's scheme.

Australia should consider a Norwegian-style sovereign wealth fund to share around the benefits of the mining boom, a union report argues.

A Hong-Kong based company locked in a bitter legal dispute with mining boss turned federal MP Clive Palmer says the case will be closely watched by other Chinese investors.

Mining giant Rio Tinto is reviewing the status of its alumina refinery at Gove in the Northern Territory, putting the future of up to 1500 workers at risk.

The Australian stock market has opened higher following a soft lead from the US overnight.

US stocks have closed little changed as investors weigh a weak US housing market report and a breakthrough deal between Iran and major powers over its controversial nuclear program.

Gold futures have fallen as investors have their first chance to respond to the historic deal on limiting nuclear proliferation reached between Iran and six world powers.

The Australian dollar is higher as traders go bargain hunting, taking advantage of the currency's low value, after its big fall in recent days.

Seven Group Holdings has appointed Woodside executive Jarvas Croome as the new chief executive of its WesTrac heavy equipment business.

Weaker demand from mining companies has caused a 28 per cent fall in first half profit for analytical testing services group ALS.

Australian shares have gained thanks to continued positive momentum on Wall Street.

Rail freight company Aurizon and Gina Rinehart's part-owned Queensland coal company have agreed on a rail solution to develop the Galilee Basin as part of a $6 billion plan.

BHP Billiton has announced it will replace two shiploaders at its Nelson Point port operations in Port Hedland at a cost of more than $300 million, on the same day it was forced to cancel the official opening of its Jimblebar iron ore mine.

Canadian dairy giant Saputo will lift its takeover offer for Warrnambool Cheese and Butter to $9.20 per WCB share if it attains a stake in Warrnambool of more than 50 per cent.

The Australian stock market has opened higher after Wall Street again rallied to record highs.

The states and territories will need to argue the case for a lower GST threshold on foreign imports, the federal government says.

US stocks have continued to power to new peaks with the S&P 500 closing above 1,800 for the first time and the Dow recording a fresh record.

The Australian dollar is still below 92 US cents as expectations the US Federal Reserve will taper its economic stimulus program weighs on the currency.

Gold prices have locked in the largest weekly drop since September as simmering worries over the likely end of US stimulus efforts sent futures down 3.4 per cent.

Australian shares have finished higher, bringing a four-day losing streak to an end due to good employment news from the United States.

Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says there is strong demand to employ indigenous Australians but "soft racism" tied to Australian larrikinism needs to go

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens says he is prepared to put the final nail in the coffin of the "uncomfortably high" Australian dollar if need be.