AAP

Weakness in building approvals data continues to show a struggling sector, but should not unduly concern the central bank, economists say.

Australian stocks have opened almost one per cent higher, driven by major resources stocks after the release of encouraging manufacturing data from China.

Australian manufacturing activity contracted in March as demand weakened, a private survey shows.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will refrain from cutting interest rates at its April board meeting next week but after that could return to an easing position, economists say.

US stocks closed out their best quarter in years on Friday, with record point-gains in the period for the S&P 500 and the Dow blue-chips.

Austar shareholders have said yes to a proposed $2 billion takeover by pay TV rival Foxtel despite the competition watchdog having yet to give its approval.

The Australian share market finished the first quarter of 2012 around seven per cent higher, with the broad All Ordinaries index closing a few points off its eight-month high.

The Barnett government's handling of the $95 million redevelopment of Perth's soccer and rugby arena will be referred to the auditor-general to determine if taxpayers will get value for money,

A former business manager at Curtin University who abused her position to defraud the university of nearly $650,000 has been sentenced to four years' jail.

Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest will have a nervous wait until the High Court hands down a judgment next month on claims he misled investors.

It's time to put an end to "billionaire welfare" in Australia by slashing multi-billion dollar subsidies handed to the mining industry, GetUp says.

Western Australia-focused iron ore explorer Flinders Mines will soon be in the hands of a Russian steel company after shareholders approved the friendly takeover.

The federal government says it remains confident Australia's bid to host the world's largest radiotelescope is "superior" to that of its main rival, South Africa.

Four of the nation's biggest and dirtiest power stations in Victoria's Latrobe Valley will receive the lion's share of $1 billion to help coal-fired generators cope with the carbon tax.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will refrain from cutting interest rates at its April board meeting next week but after that could return to an easing position, economists say.

Australian businesses are well-placed to take on wage increases with increases in compulsory superannuation contributions, ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence says.

Qantas Airways will raise ticket prices due to its growing fuel bill.

BHP Billiton's head of iron ore Ian Ashby will stand down in July after 25 years with the resources giant.

Australian stocks opened flat this morning, following a mixed lead from Wall Street.

Hardware chain Bunnings says its $1.5 billion expansion plan will create 6,000 jobs in the next three years.

US stocks have closed mixed on listless trade amid lacklustre new economic data a day ahead of the quarter's end.

The Australian share market has closed slightly down following weak leads from the United States.

Chinese demand is driving the resources boom, but Australian companies should consider operating in China itself, says the head of Swedish engineering giant Sandvik.

 The big four banks are capable of cutting interest rates on loans in April while protecting their profits thanks to lower funding costs.

Western Australians will soon be able to see the carbon tax component of their power and water bills.

Western Australian teachers have signed a new pay deal making them the highest paid in the nation.

The small rise in the number of job vacancies reported on Thursday is not enough to provide real hope that a solid pickup in jobs growth is under way.

Leighton shares have dropped by more than seven per cent after the construction company cut its full year profit forecast because of additional losses from its Brisbane Airport Link and Victorian d

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says rural and suburban regions across Australia will benefit economically as the national broadband network (NBN) rollout ramps up across the nation.

Australian stocks opened weaker as a poor lead from Wall Street and bad news from Leighton Holdings dragged the market lower.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has threatened to wield the axe at government programs in order to find extra budget savings.

Falling energy and commodity shares have pulled US markets lower amid growth concerns and talk of strategic oil stocks releases by Western powers.