AAP

The Australian dollar has moved to within half a US cent of parity with its US counterpart and could move higher in the coming days, even as markets remain nervous about upcoming Greek elections.

Volatility on European markets has created short-term opportunities for investors while the local sharemarket flounders around six month lows, analysts say.

Australian stocks closed lower with investors' caution about the weekend's Greek elections overriding positive offshore leads.

The federal government will expand and increase the mining tax if it wins the next election and that could put the Olympic Dam expansion at risk, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Australians shouldn't wish too quickly for a lower Australian dollar, the nation's top central banker says.

Two directors of takeover target Eureka Energy have changed their mind and recommended shareholders accept a bid by Aurora Oil & Gas.

The state opposition wants to resurrect a policy to ensure contractors of state government-funded infrastructure projects employ a minimum number of apprentices.

More than two-thirds of large Australian companies are willing to hire foreign workers as the effect of the skills shortage is felt across a broad range of industries, a survey shows.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says he believes the way the economy adapts to a high Australian dollar will determine success across a range of industries.

Winter crop planting is well under way, but more rain is needed for a good harvest, the latest government data shows.

Consumer optimism has grown only slightly, despite another official interest rate cut, a private study shows.

The mining boom is not to blame for Australia's multi-speed economy, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens says.

Australian stocks have opened slightly higher following gains on Wall Street and European markets.

A faster than expected slowdown in China poses a risk for the rest of the region, in particular commodity-dependent countries such as Australia, the World Bank says.

US stocks have bounced back, reversing the previous day's losses while shrugging off the spectre of more turmoil in Europe.

It was an agreement between old mates and prospecting partners to prevent their families fighting over their substantial assets once they'd gone.

The Australian dollar has slipped following Europe's decision to bailout Spain's banking system, but it is likely to fall during the week as markets brace for the fallout from Greek elections.

Businesses will be banned from charging customers excessive credit card fees under new regulations announced by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The Australian share market finished slightly higher despite big falls on overseas markets as instability in Europe continues.

The head of global aviation powerhouse Emirates has confirmed the airline has reached out to Qantas Airways about a commercial partnership.

Business conditions in Australia have fallen to their lowest point in three years, according to a monthly private survey.

Two consecutive months of interest rate cuts have inspired borrowers to consider investments in the property market, a new survey has found.

The state government has dismissed reports claiming a new native title deal has been struck for Woodside's Browse gas hub project in the Kimberley region.

About 18,000 homes remain without power in Perth and Western Australia's southwest as the third major storm since Thursday approaches the region.

The Australian share market opened slightly higher despite weak offshore leads on the back of higher Spanish and Italian borrowing costs.

Treasurer Wayne Swan has dismissed criticism that an economic forum the government is hosting in Brisbane is just another talkfest.

The Australian dollar has dropped more than one US cent, after a long weekend of trade in which it moved above parity briefly.

An early rally fuelled by Spain's banking bailout fizzled prompting US stocks to head into negative territory, as the reality of more imminent risks confronting the eurozone sank in.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has urged Liberal premiers in Queensland and Western Australia to attend a major federal government economic forum, despite the mining boom state leaders

Australia would create the biggest protected marine area in the world if draft plans to lock up large areas of ocean were accepted, federal environment Minister Tony Burke says.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce says shareholders are backing his strategy for turning the airline's fortunes around, despite a tumbling share price due in part to hedge fund activity.

Europe's debt crisis and sluggish US economic growth drove share market volatility higher last week, but market players are calling for anxious equity investors to keep the faith.