AAP

Despite three interest rate cuts since May, consumers aren't spending any more than they were five months ago.

US stocks have surged on upbeat housing data and hopes that politicians will find a way to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" of automatic tax hikes and spending cuts in January.

The Australian dollar has closed higher after hitting a seven-month high against the Japanese yen during local trading.

Small businesses are calling out for another interest rate cut when the central bank holds its final board meeting of the year in December, faced with continuing difficult trading conditions.

Prince Philippe, the Prince of Belgium, has been urged to jump on board the Western Australian economic juggernaut during his first official day of a trade mission to Australia.

The Australian market closed higher after investors received a glimmer of hope that US politicians may be able to negotiate to avoid falling off the "fiscal cliff".

The federal government will release information about the amount of revenue raised by its Mineral Resources Revenue Tax in its regular monthly financial reports, Finance Minister Penny Wo

Arrium's chairman has told the steelmaker's shareholders the board is willing to engage with any suitor if it is offering a fair price.

More than $1 trillion could be lost to the Australian economy in the next 80 years if education improvements are not made now, a new report warns.

China is on track to become the world's largest generator of nuclear power between now and some time in the 2020s, a senior Rio Tinto executive says.

Agribusiness and automotive interiors supplier Elders says about 30 parties have expressed interest in its rural services business.

The Australia Pacific liquefied natural gas joint venture has begun drawing on its $US8.5 billion funding facility for its massive LNG project in Queensland.

Proposals to hike health insurance premiums can be blamed to some extent on the federal policy environment, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

The Australian market opened higher on fresh hopes that US political leaders may work together to avoid sending the economy off the fiscal cliff.

The head of Billabong's United States business is considering taking control of the surfwear company.

Industry groups might regularly complain about a skills shortage, but new data shows there is actually a current oversupply of skilled labour.

US stocks have remained locked in a six-week slide under clouds from the global and domestic economy and worries that more political infighting will send the country over the fiscal cliff.

The Australian dollar is lower amid negative sentiment from the US and Europe and concerns over the growing conflict in Israel.

Site preparation has begun for a $775 million technical ammonium nitrate (TAN) plant in the Pilbara.

The head of Cash Converters says a "first strike" delivered against the company's pay report on Friday is peculiar, given that shareholders approved executive share bonuses two years ago.

The Australian share market closed lower as the global picture became more uncertain following negative leads from Europe and the United States.

Clothing and camping equipment store Kathmandu has surprised the market with a dramatic jump in sales, in a positive sign for retailers approaching Christmas.

Former premier Brian Burke will not be allowed to appeal to the High Court against his conviction for giving false testimony to the state's Corruption and Crime Commission.

The Australian dollar is overvalued by as much as 10 US cents and is likely to stay that way for the next couple of years.

Conservationists say the government's marine park network is a step forward but fails to protect important underwater environments off the West Australian coast.

 Who would have thought a three-letter acronym could cause so much angst?It's hardly as if making changes to the make-up of the goods and services tax would be a walk in the park.

The first Ford factory workers have emerged from nerve-racking meetings with the company, but even those who have kept their jobs say watching others get the sack has been devastating.

The head of the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) says the federal government needs to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to engagement in Asia.

The Australian share market has opened flat with investors appearing cautious due to negative leads out of Europe and the US.

The International Monetary Fund has given the Australian economy a "big tick" in a new assessment, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

Mining boss Andrew Forrest says his High Court challenge against the federal government's mining tax is about conquering evil.

US stocks zig-zagged around the break-even line in volatile trade on Thursday before ending slightly lower, pulled down in part by Walmart's disappointing earnings.