AAP

There was no interest rate cut today but the Reserve Bank of Australia has pointedly left its options open.

Security screening staff at Perth Airport's Qantas terminal have gone on strike for 48 hours after their employer locked out staff and refused a union wage demand.

Australian stocks have opened flat, with market players sitting on the sidelines ahead of an interest rate decision from the central bank.

A challenge against the Western Australian government's approval of a gas hub in the Kimberley will go to court today, despite Woodside Petroleum shelving its original plans for the project.

The Australian dollar is more than one US cent higher following the release of disappointing US manufacturing figures.

US stocks have rebounded from Friday's steep losses despite weaker data on manufacturing and construction spending.

China will be asked to rescue the mothballed $6 billion Oakajee port, when Premier Colin Barnett again heads to Asia next week.

The Australian dollar is lower as traders prepare for the release of key Chinese manufacturing data.

Security screening workers at Perth Airport's Qantas terminal say further industrial action is on the cards if employer MSS Security doesn't offer a better wage deal.

Australian stocks have closed flat, with a strong day from the major miners offset by weakness among banking stocks.

It has hosted Michael Jackson, AC/DC, Kylie Minogue, The Wiggles, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Metallica and Rihanna.

Mining exploration in Australia is becoming more expensive and less attractive for international investors, a productivity commission report has found.

Elders shares have slumped more than 10 per cent after the agribusiness posted a hefty first half loss and said the sale process for its rural services and automotive businesses was ongoing.

Australian shares are higher after Wall Street firmed on economic growth figures in the United States.

A 26 per cent wage increase over four years demanded by the Maritime Union of Australia WA branch is "off the planet", Premier Colin Barnett says.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after the release of weaker than expected US economic data.

US stocks have forged higher as weaker-than-expected economic news fuelled hopes the Federal Reserve will continue to keep its foot on the stimulus pedal.

The Australian dollar continued its rebound against the greenback, helped by a positive reaction to key business investment figures.

Australian stocks closed at their lowest level for six weeks, dragged down by a dive in the iron ore price that hit the miners..

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder believes intervening to save failing companies stifles innovation and discourages creativity.

BC Iron says its Nullagine joint venture is now producing six million tonnes of iron ore per year in line with guidance.

As Australia cuts reliance on big power stations and embraces rooftop solar panels and other renewable energies, grid planners will to need to change the way electricity is moved from sources to us

Home building approvals had a big rise in April, a sign that last year's series of Reserve Bank of Australia interest rate cuts are helping the sector.

The big rise in mining investment of the past few years is expected to plateau rather than peak, and there are more encouraging signs for the economy, with a rise in building approvals for April.

Atlas Iron plans to make a decision on building its fifth mine by the end of this financial year after reiterating its overall production guidance.

Australian stocks have hit a six-week low after the OECD downgraded Australian and world economic growth forecasts, causing mining stocks to tumble.

The Australian dollar gained as much as one US cent in overnight trade after the US dollar fell against all the major currencies.

US stocks closed lower amid concerns about global economic growth and the US Federal Reserve's plans for unwinding its aggressive stimulus program.

The Australian dollar has fallen to its lowest level since October 2011 after the release of stronger US consumer sentiment figures boosted the US dollar.

Australian stocks finished flat despite the big miners coming back into favour amid weakness in the Australian dollar.

BHP Billiton is set to shut more mines and has all but ruled out an expansion of its struggling coal division.