AAP

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.

The effective ban on coal mining in the Margaret River region adds to uncertainty weighing on the industry and will push companies elsewhere, the body representing small miners says.

Property developer Stockland Group's managing director Matthew Quinn will retire in February 2013 after 11 years in the top job.

Atlas Iron plans to double production by the end of 2013 as it presses ahead with a rail feasibility study.

The Australian sharemarket opened sharply lower following gloomy leads from markets overnight and disappointing earnings results in the US.

Redundant workers from ailing sectors such as manufacturing are being targeted for work in the resources sector, Minister for Employment Participation Kate Ellis says.

US stocks fell sharply Tuesday on growing concerns about Europe's sovereign debt crisis, soft corporate earnings at home and a weak manufacturing report.

Kingsgate Consolidated's chief executive says he cannot offer an explanation as to why the price of gold has plunged but it may have something to do with derivatives.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower, but is on the way up following upbeat comments on the Australian economy by the central bank governor and better than expected Chinese economic data.

Unions say they have effectively forced QR National to "play by the rules" as the company attempts to shed a fifth of its workforce.

Backlogs caused by a new student visa enrolment system have forced education provider Navitas to revise down its forecast of new student enrolments.

The Australian sharemarket closed slightly higher, in a major turnaround from the day before, as cautious investors were encouraged by better Chinese manufacturing data.

BC Iron shares gained almost nine per cent after the junior iron ore producer said it expects to export five million tonnes of ore in fiscal 2013 after meeting its full year production targets ahea

Coal mining will not be allowed in and around Margaret River, Resources Minister Norman Moore says.

Employers are looking for staff with resilience and perseverance as tough, stressful economic times affect hiring intentions.

Oil Search says it is close to deciding on partner or partners for its natural gas exploration assets in resource-rich Papua New Guinea.

Australia was in a good position to avoid the global financial crisis and should continue to use its "lucky" position to shield against further economic shocks, the central bank governor says.

Alesco Corporation has plunged into the red with a $13.9 million loss for its 2012 financial year.

Funds for the National Disability Insurance Scheme should not be consumed by unnecessary bureaucracy, the state government has warned its federal counterparts.

Shares in troubled surfwear retailer Billabong have surged by more than 20 per cent after it received a second takeover offer from US private equity firm TPG.

Beleaguered miner Mirabela Nickel has axed hundreds of jobs in Brazil as it continues cutting costs at its Santa Rita operations while the nickel price languishes at depressed levels.

The Australian sharemarket had a surprise positive opening after investors took advantage of buying opportunities in the wake of Monday's losses.

Australia's economic growth should stay around current levels until 2017, but there's a risk the nation will become even more sensitive to commodity price swings than it is now, a report warns.

US stocks have skidded amid a global sell-off on renewed eurozone sovereign debt concerns that Spain was headed for a bailout and Greece could exit the eurozone.

The Australian dollar has fallen one US cent and the euro has hit a record two-year low against the US dollar amid renewed fears about the European government debt crisis.