AAP

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.

The Australian share market has opened nearly one per cent higher.

World oil prices have eased slightly but concerns over mounting violence in the wake of the military coup in Egypt kept the market firm.

The Australian dollar is firmer as it looks like a Portuguese political crisis may have been averted, boosting risk appetite.

US stocks have ended higher as investors look forward to the kickoff of earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 88.85 (0.59 per cent) to 15,224.69.

Australian shares have finished lower as weaker commodities prices and the prospect of higher unemployment weighed on investors.

The price of silver has plunged quicker than that of gold since Federal Reserve boss Bernard Bernanke's positive comments on the US economy three weeks ago.

Virgin Australia has completed the purchase of a 60 per cent stake in Tigerair Australia.

Job advertisements have declined for a fourth consecutive month, with Western Australia the hardest hit as the mining boom slows down.

The corporate watchdog will monitor analysts' briefings during the upcoming reporting season after launching an investigation into Newcrest Mining's disclosure of a $6 billion writedown.

Atlas Iron will start work on a new Pilbara iron ore mine after the company's board approved the $146 million project.

The Australian share market is starting the week flat, as weakness in commodity prices and mining stocks offsets gains in other sectors.

The Australian dollar this week could well fall below 90 US cents for the first time in almost three years as healthy US jobs data boosts the greenback.

US stocks racked up solid gains to close last week after a good US jobs report for June.

The Australian share market has managed to finish the week higher after recording its second straight day of gains.

Independence Group will cut jobs and halt exploration at its Stockman project in Victoria due to tough economic conditions.

Telstra has signed a $32 million deal to protect government agencies from online viruses and hacking attempts.

The Australian share market has opened close to one per cent higher, continuing the week's trend of significant moves both higher and lower.

Oil prices have fallen following recent rallies over Middle East supply worries after Egypt's army overthrew and detained President Mohamed Morsi.