AAP

New Zealand's $NZ22-billion Superannuation Fund has pulled nearly $NZ2 million worth of investment out of Barrick Gold, the world's biggest gold miner citing its human rights and environmental reco

Home loan approvals have risen by 5.2 per cent on the back of lower interest rates and strong building activity.

National property developer Stockland says its earnings will drop because of the costs associated with changes to improve its performance.

Explosives and fertiliser maker Incitec Pivot's first half profit has dropped 23 per cent with its fertiliser operations hit by the high Australian dollar.

Business confidence has slipped four points in the month before the federal budget according to National Australia Bank's April survey of employers.

Shopping centre owner Westfield Retail Trust (WRT) says consumer confidence is improving, but shoppers are still cautious and sales growth is still low.

The Australian share market has opened lower.

The federal government is spending $300 million to make it easier for people to work or study while they are on income support payments.

The Australian dollar is weaker after a weekend article in the Wall Street Journal convinced traders to snap up the US greenback.

US stocks overcame a choppy day of trading om Friday and closed at fresh all-time highs as Group of Seven finance chiefs met in Britain to discuss economic challenges.

The Australian dollar has stabilised after plunging over night, hurt by a big pre-dawn rally in the US dollar.

The Australian share market has closed at levels not seen in almost five years as a weakening domestic currency boosted the big miners.

The Nine Network will decide whether to match a $500 million offer for cricket television rights while being taken to court by Cricket Australia.

ANZ bank has stepped up home loan competition among the major banks, becoming the first in 16 years to cut interest rates by more than the central bank's move.

There are even less inflation hurdles for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to cut the cash rate further, if need be.

The Australian market has opened higher despite weak offshore leads as the financial sector lifts local shares.

The Australian dollar has plummeted almost two US cents and could be on its way back below the 100-US cent mark for the first time in nearly a year.

US stocks fell on Thursday, as buyers took a breather after a slate of successive record closes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22.50 (0.15 per cent) to 15,082.62.

The Australian dollar is higher after strong employment figures made the possibility of another official interest rate cut less likely.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says his industrial relations policy will protect the pay and conditions of workers and offer them access to flexibility arrangements.

Further interest rates cuts appear less likely following another surprise surge in employment.

Western Australia's top judge says he has "serious concerns" about the state's attorney-general decision to stop a project that would have allowed the Supreme Court to stream cases online in r

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says it's not the amount of government spending that is putting pressure on the budget, but the lack of tax money coming in.

The Australian share market has opened flat.

Premier Colin Barnett continues to hope Commonwealth funding will be forthcoming for the state government's rail plans, despite its historical backing of roads.

National Australia Bank's half year net profit has grown by 23 per cent to $2.52 billion.

The Australian dollar is nearly a third of a US cent lower ahead of the release of key monthly employment figures.

US stocks have continued their upward climb, riding positive economic data from Germany and China to new records.

The Australian share market has closed at its best level in almost five years, driven by record US market highs and positive Chinese trade data.

Shares in Seven West Media have leapt 10 per cent after the company exceeded expectations on cost cuts and chief executive Don Voelte said the media group was placed to improve next year.

Holden insists it will keep making cars in Australia despite reporting a $153 million loss as motorists steer away from locally built cars.