AAP

The Australian share market has closed at its strongest level in a week after a pledge by the European Central Bank (ECB) to preserve the euro underpinned renewed investor confidence.

Two overseas airlines involved in price-fixing have reached settlements worth millions of dollars with the Commerce Commission.

A fall in the annual rate of price inflation to a 13-year low surprised many Australians worried about cost of living pressures.

 Intrepid Mines has posted a first half loss of $US31.97 million ($A30.86 million) as it aims to resolve joint venture problems and legal issues at its Indonesian operations.

The Australian share market has opened more than three quarters of a per cent higher.

Premier Colin Barnett says state-owned enterprises are the only Chinese firms large enough to invest in Australia.

The Australian dollar is more than half a US cent higher on comments suggesting the European Central Bank (ECB) could take a greater role in curbing euro zone debt.

US stocks have soared, buoyed by a pledge from Europe's top central banker to do everything possible to save the eurozone from a raging sovereign debt crisis.

The Australian dollar is one US cent higher on hopes of a lasting solution to the euro zone government debt crisis.

 The Australian share market closed stronger as investors snapped up industrial stocks amid renewed hopes for a potential solution to the European debt crisis.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has accused Julia Gillard of being inflexible in talks with states and territories over the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

 Proposed amendments to the living away from home allowance (LAFHA) will affect more than a "narrow group of people" as described by Treasurer Wayne Swan, a federal parliamentary hearing has b

The head of one of Australia's retail giants fears there is no end in sight to the nation's consumer gloom, despite its flagship Coles supermarket boasting a hefty full year sales increase.

Caltex Australia insists its decision to close its Sydney oil refinery and turn it into an import terminal at a total cost of $680 million is necessary to secure the company's future.

Australand is confident of delivering earnings growth in 2012 after reversing its profit slide amid tough times in the property development market.

The Australian share market is higher at noon, led by the industrial sector and continuing hopes for a European bailout.

The West Australian premier's call for GST distribution reform is very reasonable but any change needs to benefit the whole nation, opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says.

Qantas Airways has confirmed it is in talks with a number of airlines about potential alliances, including Dubai-based Emirates.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has taken aim at Liberal state premiers over their refusal to sign up to plans for a national disability insurance scheme.

Troubled miner Energy Resources of Australia says the uranium market remains challenging after it recorded a net first half loss of $59.8 million.

Newcrest Mining has exceeded its copper production targets for its 2012 financial year, while gold production is in line with forecasts.

The Australian sharemarket has opened flat as mixed trading of defensive stocks followed Europe and Wall Street's overnight leads.

Confidence is down in the property and construction sector, even in the prosperous mining states, according to a private study.

US stocks have closed mixed as investors digested strong earnings reports from Dow members Boeing and Caterpillar and disappointing results from Apple.

Macquarie Group is pinning its hopes on a recovery in financial markets to lift its earnings in 2013.

The Australian sharemarket has closed slightly lower as fears that Spain may be headed for a financial bailout overshadowed lower-than-expected inflation figures in Australia.

The patience of Oz Minerals shareholders continues to be tested, with the company revealing a sharp quarterly jump in production costs and development of its new copper-gold project.

Prominent businessman Geoffrey Cousins is no more important than anyone else on the anti-Browse gas hub bandwagon, Resources Minister Norman Moore says.

Predator DuluxGroup has criticised Alesco Corporation's latest financial performance, but says it is willing to work with the takeover target to garner support for its $210 million bid.

Truck drivers are rallying outside Coles stores across the country calling for the retailer to be held to account for pressuring truckies and causing accidents.

Australia has posted its lowest annual inflation rate since 1999, leaving the door open for more interest rate cuts by the central bank.