AAP

The Australian dollar is higher after the US Federal Reserve chairman eased concerns about the tapering of the central bank's economic stimulus program.

Australian stocks shot up by 1.3 per cent, with investors cheering comments out of the US that money would continue to be pumped into the world's largest economy.

Clive Palmer says moves to transfer security rights at a West Australian port away from his private company will not stop Mineralogy from being able to export iron ore from the facility.

Arrium has revealed that a one cent fall in the dollar's value is worth $10 million to $12 million in before-tax profit for its struggling steel business.

Perth's office vacancy rate is expected to double over the next few years as the resources slowdown leaves companies requiring less space.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has called for a new productivity pact between business, unions and the federal government to boost the economy.

Embattled gold miner Newcrest has told workers at its Telfer mine in Western Australia that some of them will lose their jobs in the next 12 months.

A dip in unemployment in Western Australia in June was not enough to keep the nation’s jobless rate from rising, official figures show.

Perth is now Australia's most expensive city and the eleventh priciest to live in worldwide, according a renowned online cost of living index.

Keeping Western Australia's budget in surplus is going to be a close call, Premier Colin Barnett warns.

Australian stocks are higher after US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke indicated stimulus measures would remain in place for the forseeable future.

Holden is pushing for an extra $265 million from the federal government to help it keep building cars in Australia.

The Australian dollar is weaker but off its lows as US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke hints that stimulus measures are set to continue.

US stocks ended mixed on Wednesday after the minutes of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting suggested it could end its QE stimulus program by the end of the year.

Holden and the federal government are edging closer to an agreement to keep the car maker in Australia, but it may take more public funds to seal the deal.

Australian shares have closed higher despite slipping in afternoon trade due to concerns about a slowdown in China.

Premier Colin Barnett wants a 12-month extension to the deadline for signing up to the federal government's school funding scheme.

Australia has enjoyed a mining boom thanks to the Asian Century but is badly trailing the competition when it comes to feeding the region, says Nufarm chairman Donald McGauchie.

Consumer confidence has improved, but remains weaker than it was at the beginning of the year.

A solid lead from US markets has helped push Australian stocks higher.

The Australian dollar is weaker as traders overlook the International Monetary Fund's forecast that Australia's biggest trading partner China faces a prolonged growth slowdown.

US stocks have closed solidly higher for the fourth straight day as investors ignored the International Monetary Fund's lowered growth forecasts for the US and global economies.

Global miner Rio Tinto has started shipping copper concentrate from its Oyu Tolgoi gold and copper mine in Mongolia.

The Australian dollar is higher due to stronger than expected inflation data out of China.

Australian shares shot up in what market watchers hope is a sign investors are over their jitters caused by the US flagging a cut to its stimulus program.

Telstra plans to send 170 jobs from one of its fastest-growing divisions to India.

Shares in Australia's Alumina have posted strong gains despite its giant aluminium producing partner Alcoa posting a large quarterly loss.

Space boffins should prepare for a wave of astronomical revelations with the $51 million Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) radio telescope now in full swing.

The promoter for the coming Warped Tour is blaming the state government for his decision to take Perth off the tour dates.

Ramelius Resources shares have jumped almost 20 per cent after the gold miner posted a record June quarter production result.

The Supreme Court of New Zealand has granted Western Australia-based Alesco Corp the right to challenge a tax avoidance ruling over its use of securities with the characteristics of both equity and

The worst business trading conditions in four years could see the Reserve Bank of Australia cut the cash rate as early as August.