AAP

US stocks have slashed steep early losses in the last hour of trade to end moderately lower, amid short covering and hopes that EU leaders would agree measures to stem the eurozone crisis.

Beleaguered grocery wholesaler Metcash is diversifying into the car spare parts business to help bolster its bottom line and will undertake a $375 million capital raising to help pay for the new bu

Economists doubt that the central bank will cut interest rates for a third month in a row when its board meets next week, despite further signs of weakness in demand for workers and new houses.

The Australian dollar has moved back above 101 US cents for the first time in a week, buoyed by a solid performance from Asian share markets.

Fairfax Media shares have posted fresh lows as market players mulled over Gina Rinehart's next move after her request for a board seat was denied.

The Australian share market surrendered most of its early gains to close almost flat as local investors waited to see if European Union leaders meeting in Brussels would act to contain the euro zon

Caltex Australia, which is pondering closing its refining operations, expects its first half profit to rise by as much as 81 per cent per cent due to higher refinery production.

Alkane Resources says it's on track to bring one of the world's largest undeveloped zirconium resources into production by 2015.

Like it or loathe it, the carbon tax is here.Climate Change Minister Greg Combet insists it won't lead to businesses going broke and power bills forcing families to the wall.

Chinese-owned Yancoal Australia has joined the local share market, the largest public listing in 18 months.

Santos shares have fallen after the cost of its Gladstone liquefied natural gas (GLNG) project rose by 15 per cent.

Despite some data showing the economy is growing strongly, it may not be growing strongly enough to match the growth in the number of people wanting jobs.

Retailers say they are nervous about becoming the "meat in the sandwich" when the carbon tax is introduced.

The Australian share market has opened half a per cent higher, following Wall Street's overnight positive lead ahead of a key European Union summit on the euro zone debt crisis.

The Australian dollar has moved higher following a better performance in US stocks.At 0700 AEST, the Australian dollar was trading at 100.81 US cents, up from 100.55 cents yesterday.

A rebound in US durable goods orders in May, a sign of firmer action in US industry, has helped push US stocks higher in the wake of European and Asian markets.

The Australian dollar has risen amid optimism about a positive outcome to the upcoming summit of European leaders.

Australians are increasingly using technology to help them shop, with nearly 40 per cent having used a smart phone or an iPad to compare prices, research says.

News Corp is considering splitting off its publishing assets from its more profitable entertainment business but that would not mean chairman Rupert Murdoch is stepping away from his much-loved new

Fairfax Media says it is unable to offer Gina Rinehart, the company's largest shareholder, a seat on its board.

The Australian share market has closed slightly higher, boosted by a positive lead from US markets, but trading remains weak and cautious ahead of a summit of European leaders later this week.

The tourism industry is hoping a trial of importing seasonal workers from overseas can be expanded to fill tens of thousands of vacant jobs.

Fairfax has unveiled a national "digital-first" editorial restructure that will transform the company into one newsroom with its own internal newswire.

Building products maker Boral has cut its full year profit forecast for the second time within three months because of bad weather and delays to major construction projects.

Australian shares are only slightly higher after solid gains on Wall Street but continuing problems in Europe.

Business executives around the world have become much more gloomy about the global economy as the eurozone crisis pounds on, according to a new survey by McKinsey & Co.

US stocks have scored solid gains, lifted by positive data on home prices that offset another decline in consumer confidence.

Small business sales increased in May, but retail continued to suffer the weakest growth of all sectors, new research shows.

An imminent ruling by Fair Work Australia will determine whether Qantas employees have a right to secure employment, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) says.

The Australian share market has closed lower as investors fear that the European debt crisis may worsen unless European leaders take decisive action at a summit later this week.

Queensland-focused minerals explorer Ivanhoe Australia will cut 50 jobs as its new owner Rio Tinto seeks to cut costs in the company.

The number of online orders to Australian businesses increased by almost a third during the 2010-2011 financial year, speaking volumes on the growing importance of internet sales.