AAP

Africa-focused uranium miner Paladin Energy says it has significantly strengthened its balance sheet after a convertible bond issue that raised $US274 million ($A266.5 million) from investors.

Treasurer Wayne Swan insists Peter Slipper's decision to stand down as Speaker won't impact on the federal government's ability to deliver a tough budget.

Premier Colin Barnett says an interim report on the way GST revenues are distributed recognises the system is "broken" and has been unfair to Western Australia.

The Australian dollar fell half of one US cent after the release of weaker than expected inflation data this morning.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has the room it needs to cut interest rates in May following the release of weaker than expected inflation data, economists say.

The Australian share market has opened slightly lower, following the overnight lead of the US and European markets.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Australia's economy remains strong, as inflation data due for release on Tuesday could trigger an interest rate cut next week.

Wesfarmers says Coles sales has risen almost five per cent in the third quarter but tough trading conditions led to a 4.4 per cent fall in Target sales.

Sacked Toyota workers will begin legal action against the mass job cuts at the company's Melbourne plant.

Newcrest Mining has cut its forecasts for gold and copper production for 2012 after carrying out a major review of its operations.

A pick-up in mortgage inquiries for the first time in two years could be an early indicator that house prices are set for a recovery.

Ford may have to temporarily stand down up to 1,800 workers if a dispute involving a car parts maker cannot be resolved.

US stocks closed lower but off earlier steep losses as Wall Street focused on European political and economic uncertainty and some US earnings results missed expectations.

The Australian dollar has moved lower on official data showing weak inflation at the farm and factory gate, which has added to the case for a rate cut by the central bank.

A report confirming Western Australia's strong economic performance is a signal to Premier Colin Barnett to reverse plans for budget cuts that will hit frontline services, the state oppos

The Australian share market closed slightly weaker as investors prepared for crucial inflation data that could pave the way for another interest rate cut.

Motorists should see petrol prices fall by up to four cents a litre in the next fortnight following recent falls in regional oil prices.

Hong Kong-listed Wah Nam International has extended its takeover offer for iron ore explorer Brockman Resources as it seeks to take control of all remaining shares.

The federal government could be in for a tougher-than-expected battle to have parliament approve controversial budget measures.

A fall in producer prices in the first three months of 2012 suggests inflation remains weak and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will have room to cut interest rates in May, economists say.

Key independent MP Tony Windsor says he is unlikely to support a rumoured change to the diesel fuel rebate in the May budget.

Industrial services company Spotless remains in talks with its private equity suitor, with a deal still not guaranteed.

The Australian share market opened slightly lower, despite gains on Wall Street and positive leads from European markets.

So strongly is Western Australia performing, the national economy is now being viewed in terms of Australia as a whole and Australia excluding WA.

International Monetary Fund members have vowed to secure global financial stability to allow urgently needed reforms and regain worldwide economic growth.

The Australian dollar has fallen after local trade figures showed the nation's terms of trade weakened in the first three months of the year.

The chances of official interest rate cut next month have improved with figures showing imported consumer goods have fallen to the cheapest level in two decades.

The Australian share market closed marginally higher despite earnings downgrades and a fall in some commodity prices.

Shares in industrial equipment maker Bradken plummeted after it cut its profit guidance due to increased costs and lower sales at its rail division.

The state government knew nothing about the death of a competitor in an adventure race in China before sponsoring a similar event in the Kimberley in which two women almost burned to death.

The federal government has accused Premier Colin Barnett of a cash grab over his refusal to quarantine a pension increase from public housing rent assessments.

Australian tourism chiefs will aim at a vast untapped market in China's hinterland for the next wave of visitors from the regional powerhouse.