AAP

Treasurer Chris Bowen says a substantial hike in tobacco excise to raise $5.3 billion for the federal coffers will contribute to the government's planned return to a budget surplus, but more import

The Western Australian opposition has launched a website dedicated to Premier Colin Barnett's broken election promises after he said he didn't believe the community paid much attention to them.

The Australian share market has opened approaching half a per cent higher.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after good US economic data and a Federal Reserve announcement pulled the currency in opposite directions.

US stocks have ended mixed after a busy day of news that included a policy statement from the Federal Reserve and a mixed report on US economic growth.

The Australian dollar is lower following a dovish speech by Reserve Bank boss Glenn Stevens that hinted at another rate cut next week.

The Australian share market has edged higher as investors react to positive news out of China and uncertainty in the United States.

The federal government has eased concerns it was about to plunder the superannuation savings system to help plug financial holes in the budget.

Australian stocks are higher as the market reacts to heightened expectations of an interest rate cut in August.

The Australian dollar has held its ground in offshore trade after suffering a big fall on Tuesday.

US stocks have closed mostly flat, except for Nasdaq's solid gain, as investors await the outcome of a Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting.

The Australian dollar is lower after Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens hinted there could be another cash rate cut next week.

The Australian share market has closed flat after light and lacklustre trading as hints of a cash rate cut next week by the Reserve Bank failed to spark major moves.

Australia's top central banker has hinted that interest rates could be cut again to boost business confidence.

The property industry has welcomed the state government’s plan to halve the number of metropolitan local government areas, saying larger councils would result in a more robust planning and approval

Approvals for the construction of new homes fell 6.9 per cent across Australia in June, official figures show.

Retail giant Woolworths grew sales by 4.3 per cent to more than $59 billion last financial year.

The Australian share market is slightly lower in early trading as investors await a key economic meeting and the release of data in the United States later this week.

Earthmoving equipment supplier Emeco is searching for a new chief executive after Keith Gordon decided to step down.

Australia may be heading towards softer economic growth with interest rates falling to record lows and resources construction activity expected to peak soon.

The Australian dollar is a third of a US cent lower as traders play it safe ahead of the crucial US Federal Reserve meeting later in the week.

US stocks have fallen ahead of a busy week of economic news that includes a Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting and the monthly jobs report.

The Australian share market has outperformed other markets in the Asian region, as strength in the banking sector pushed it higher.

Rio Tinto has agreed to sell its majority stake in a New South Wales copper and gold mine to a Chinese firm.

OZ Minerals says it will take a hit of up to $240 million, largely due to lower copper and gold prices.

Australia's natural gas industry says it can keep the cash flowing once the mining boom is over, but its vast potential is under threat from excess green tape and a lukewarm political reception.

The radical reshaping of Western Australia's local councils has begun, with the state government announcing on Sunday that the City of Perth will more than double in size to include Crown casino, t

The Australian share market has started the week flat, following a soft lead from the US and weakness in Japanese stocks.

Premier Colin Barnett has again warned of a "very tight" budget for Australia's economic golden child, as pressure comes from Defence Minister Stephen Smith to spend money on roads infrastructure.

US stocks rallied from intraday lows on Friday, picking up momentum after a dreary open and ending narrowly in the black.

Whoever wins the federal election will be tasked with managing an economy that can no longer rely on a mining investment boom that has helped extend the nation's unbroken expansion to a staggering

A rally by banking shares has helped the Australian share market shrug off weaker resources stocks and close the week with another rise.