AAP

 The nations working towards a new Pacific trade pact are hopeful a deal can be stuck before the end of the year, Australia's lead negotiator says.

Australia's largest gold producer Newcrest Mining says new laws limiting foreign ownership of mines in Indonesia will not affect its Gosowong operations on Halmahera Island.

The first trade balance in deficit in almost a year could cause a weakening in first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data, economists say.

Asciano's Patrick ports business has applied to Fair Work Australia to commence conciliation with the Maritime Union of Australia over an industrial dispute.

Gina Rinehart's three oldest children should follow advice to "go out and earn for themselves" if they are not happy about the family trust, according to a media release put out by her lawyers.

Qantas' plans for a new premium airline in Asia are in jeopardy after talks with Malaysia Airlines ended with no deal.

The Australian share market has opened higher following Wall Street's strong positive lead and on optimism that Greece has secured enough support for its debt-swap deal.

Credit card providers are charging exorbitant interest rates at four times the level of the central bank's cash rate, RateCity says.

The US stock market has posted substantial gains as Greece closes in on a deal to restructure its debt and avoid a default.

The Australian dollar has proven resilient after the release of weak local jobs data, helped by optimism that the Greek government re-financing operation will prevent a debt default.

The Australian share market closed stronger after three consecutive days of losses on views that there is a reduced likelihood of a Greek debt default and solid US private sector job numbers.

The pattern of weak jobs growth could prompt the central bank to cut official interest rates in May, economists say.

Etihad Airways chief executive James Hogan says he is yet to start any discussions with alliance partner Virgin Australia about buying an equity stake in the airline.

Copper miner Sandfire Resources says it is on track to commence exports from its DeGrussa project in Western Australia next quarter.

Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says the latest national accounts and jobs figures show that the economy has been operating well below its potential for some time.

The value of Australia's resources and energy exports jumped by 15 per cent to a record $190 billion in 2011, the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics says.

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has mocked the treasurer's promise of a budget surplus in 2012/13, saying it would take 100 years of surpluses to make up for "Swannie's deficits".

Continuing falls in Western Australian unemployment have failed to stop the nation’s unemployment rate rising to 5.2 per cent in February, according to official figures.

Potential home buyers are dropping out of the housing market, scared off by the prospect of interest rate rises and economic uncertainty.

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

The Australian dollar is almost a third of a US cent higher as global stock markets rebound after several days of sharp falls.

US stocks rebounded on Wednesday after Tuesday's rout, with investors encouraged by US jobs data and signs that Greece was likely to make Thursday's deadline to seal a crucial debt write-off deal.

Gold miner Norton Gold Fields continues to hunt for acquisitions and expects to hit its full year production target.

A significant shareholder in mining giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto has backed the federal government's stand on the minerals resources rent tax for its potential benefit to the wider economy.

Treasurer Wayne Swan believes the economy is still on target to reach trend growth of around 3.25 per cent this year, despite a dour performance in the final months of 2011 amid economic upheaval i

Base metals miner Kagara had a disastrous day, losing nearly $100 million in market value after its share price plunged by nearly 40 per cent because of its poor outlook.

The Australian dollar was three-quarters of a US cent lower on Wednesday after the release of economic growth figures that were much weaker than expected.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has questioned whether groups such as Greenpeace should retain their tax-free status if they are actively working to disrupt and delay major coal projects.

Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson says government assistance has a role to play in supporting Australian manufacturing industry.

The Australian share market finished firmly lower after battling headwinds on all fronts, with negative offshore leads, concerns about Greece's debt woes and disappointing Australian gross domestic

Federal Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says the full-scale rollout of the high-speed national broadband network can now begin following the completion of agreements between Telstra, the bui

Federal opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says the coalition will deliver a budget surplus in its first year in office and won't follow Labor in rolling out a stimulus package in the event o