AAP

US stocks notched up modest gains in light trading ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday after Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement.

A council in Perth's southeast has been suspended by the state government after a damning report criticised the local mayor's "inappropriate" power and highlighted long-term dysfunction.

The indigenous group that rejected a financial package from Fortescue Metals Group in exchange for the right to mine their land - but were pipped by a breakaway claimant group - says there's still

Superstar chef Heston Blumenthal has pulled out of a scheduled headline appearance at a gourmet food festival in Margaret River after two of his chefs died in a Hong Kong car crash.

Premier Colin Barnett says while he is "sympathetic" towards workers on lower wages in the public sector, he will not be swayed by protesters.

State disability ministers have criticised the lack of flexibility in draft federal legislation to establish a National Disability Insurance Scheme ahead of its planned introduction to parliament n

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott remains at pains to prove he's a hit with the ladies, this time basking in a rapturous reception from Liberal Party businesswomen in Perth's swanky western suburb

The Australian dollar has closed weaker, in line with a falling euro, after European finance ministers failed to agree on a rescue plan for Greece.

The Australian share market has closed lower, with investors unimpressed following a decision by European finance chiefs to delay a decision on fresh help for debt-laden Greece.

The Australian economy will always need guest workers, says Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten.

Australia should set aside enough gas for use by local industries because it would benefit the economy more than by just exporting it, says the local head of Alcoa.

Programmed Maintenance Services has battled through deteriorating conditions to post a rise in first half profit and flagged a moderate increase for its full fiscal year.

The federal opposition has vowed to use the final sitting week of parliament to pursue Prime Minister Julia Gillard over the Australian Workers Union scandal.

Freight firm QR National has averted a "first strike" over its executive pay levels and received the go-ahead to change its name to Aurizon Holdings.

Myer has shrugged off the Click Frenzy debacle and says it's pleased with the response to its online sale.

Copper and gold miner Ivanhoe Australia is to tap investors for $80 million to help repay a loan and fund infrastructure and exploration projects.

Australian stocks are weaker, with falls among the major resources-linked sectors leading the broader market lower.

David Jones' first quarter sales rose by 0.3 per cent and the retailer says second quarter sales are so far following a similar trend.

US stocks have closed near breakeven, clawing back from losses after Hewlett-Packard reported a huge charge for an acquisition, offsetting fresh data signaling recovery in the housing market.

Traffic in Perth is getting a push in the right direction with the launch of padded vehicles to clear breakdowns from the Graham Farmer Freeway tunnel.

The Australian dollar is higher on improved sentiment around fiscal challenges faced by the US and Europe.

The consumer watchdog has launched Federal Court action against several Harvey Norman franchisees, alleging they misled consumers on their rights.

Many companies are improving productivity by making greater demands on workers without providing additional resources, a survey has found.

Australian stocks closed firmer amid optimism about the US tackling its deficit problems but underperformed offshore leads out of America and Europe.

Virgin Australia has blamed uncertain economic conditions and strong airline competition for its reluctance to give firm profit guidance for the year ahead.

Major retailers have fired the start gun on a pre-Christmas sales war, with online shopping at the vanguard of efforts to lure price-savvy consumers.

The likely inclusion of the Australian dollar in an obscure survey of central bank holdings of foreign exchange has been hailed as a feather in the currency's cap.

Engineering firm Monadelphous expects its first half sales revenue to grow by 40 per cent due to record levels of new construction work.

Productivity improvements are crucial for Australia to cope with an ageing population and declining terms of trade if living standards are to be raised, a senior Treasury official says.

 The Reserve Bank of Australia says further rate cuts could be considered in coming months.

The Australian Greens are looking to a plug a hole in the federal government's mining tax that will stop resource companies claiming credits for increased state royalties.

Rare earths miner Lynas expects production at its controversial plant in Malaysia to begin in December after long delays caused by environmental and political concerns.