AAP

Perth median house prices hit a new record in the June quarter, according to a new report, with population growth and the state’s strong economy likely to contribute to further rises in the near fu

US stocks have closed mostly lower, with weak earnings and a gloomy outlook from Caterpillar weighing down the Dow.

Gold has fallen as stronger economic data bolstered the US dollar and fanned worries about the end of US monetary stimulus measures.

The Australian dollar hit a one month high after the release of lower than expected local inflation figures, but later fell on the release of weak Chinese manufacturing figures.

Livestock exporter Wellard has been cleared of wrongdoing following an investigation into the cull of more than 20,000 Australian sheep in Pakistan, angering animal welfare groups.

Resource companies have shaken off a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing to help the Australian share market finish firmer.

Australand's profit dipped in the first half of 2013, and the property developer says months of takeover speculation have affected the company.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says the government is still gauging the state of the budget as policy makers face fiscal pressures globally.

Australia has recorded another quarter of low inflation, but economists say the numbers fail to give a clear indication of whether there will be an interest rate cut on August 6.

The Australian share market is a little higher ahead of the release of key inflation figures and data from China.

US stocks have closed mixed, with the Dow creeping up to close at a new record high after mixed company results, while Apple dragged the Nasdaq lower.

The Australian dollar has hit a one-week high, getting a boost from the rising gold price and a good performance on Asian share markets.

Receivers and managers have been appointed to The Rare Coin Company after 31 years of trading.

Another day of soaring gold and commodity prices has helped the Australian share market close higher.

A rise in the gold price has delivered resources stocks a boost and helped to lift the local sharemarket.

Around half of Australian businesses say they recorded no revenue growth in the past 12 months, but most believe the future is looking brighter.

The Australian dollar is higher after gold prices soared and weaker-than-expected American home sales figures put downward pressure on its US counterpart.

US stocks have ended higher after a series of mediocre earnings reports limited buying enthusiasm.

The Australian share market closed at its highest levels in two months due to strong gains in the mining and energy sectors.

The federal election should not be an excuse to put necessary industrial relations changes in the too-hard basket, a leading business group says.

Wangara-based Fleetcare has been forced to cut a quarter of its workforce in the wake of the federal government's move to tighten fringe benefits tax guidelines on car leasing.

The victorious state Liberal party spent $2.3 million more than its Labor rivals in winning the WA election earlier this year.

BC Iron has reported a record production run at its joint venture Nullagine project it operates with Fortescue.

Australian stocks have opened stronger following news China will lift controls on lending interest rates.

Western Australia remains the top performing economy in the nation, while the ACT has jumped into second position as its jobs market improves.

The Australian dollar has gained some ground after China's central bank said it would lift controls on lending interest rates, allowing financial institutions to set them.

US stocks ended mixed on Friday after strong earnings from some industrial companies were countered by feeble results from Microsoft and other technology companies.

The Australian share market has ended the week with a fall as negative sentiment across Asia prompted a selloff in local resources stocks.

Billabong is facing a challenge to its recapitalisation deal with private equity firm Altamont from two US hedge funds seeking to strike their own deal with the troubled surfwear retailer.

Customs officers and West Australian police are attempting to intercept an asylum seeker boat heading towards the Pilbara coast after it sailed near an oil and gas facility.

Analytical testing services group ALS has raised $112 million from institutional investors as it seeks to complete the funding for its takeover of two businesses.

Proposed changes to fringe benefits tax (FBT) will make the tax system fairer and more sustainable, Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten says.