AAP

Investors saw enough value in ASX stocks to lift the market despite uncertainty around how economic sanctions on Russia may affect global trade.

Annual wages grew 2.3 per cent as of the December quarter, the highest since mid-2019, but still lagged well behind the rate of inflation at 3.5 per cent.

Woolworths has posted lower first-half profit while its boss warned prices will keep moving higher due to inflation.

Oil fetched its highest price since 2014 and the Australian share market slumped as Russian troops entered Ukraine and raised the threat of war.

Coles has delivered a 2 per cent drop in profit as higher costs and lower convenience store sales hit half-year results.

Super Retail Group has had first-half profit dive 35 per cent and warns higher freight and transport costs will continue to affect margins.

Telstra and TPG will share their regional networks with each other in what they claim will provide better service to people outside the major cities.

ASX investors gained hope and the oil price eased after news US and Russian leaders will meet to try and resolve the Ukraine standoff.

AGL Energy has rejected a takeover offer from a consortium led by tech mogul Mike Cannon-Brookes, but market experts say it's just a starting bid.

Fund manager Magellan has produced a turnaround in form but the Australian share market was weighed down by fighting in Ukraine.

The Business Council is calling for the skilled migration cap to be lifted to 220,000 over the next two financial years to deal with acute worker shortages.

The impact of January's Omicron case surge on the labour force has been laid bare, with hours worked dropping almost 9 per cent, while unemployment remains at a 13-year low.

A late drop in trade following reports of shelling in Ukraine wiped almost all ASX gains and raised the prospect of sanctions against major oil producer Russia.

CSL shares surged after its first-half earnings and the ASX had its best day in a week after Russia claimed to be moving troops away from the Ukraine border.

The competition watchdog has given freight companies special permission to cooperate to get groceries into WA and the NT, after supply chains broke down.

BHP pleased investors with first-half earnings, but Australian share market participants traded warily as Russia threatens the stability of Europe.

COVID WRAP: Mark McGowan promises to unveil a new border reopening date as WA records 62 new COVID cases, aged care springs into action and Qantas extends Darwin-London flights.

The announcement that international borders will open this month and signs that the COVID-19 Omicron variant peak has passed has lifted consumers' spirits.

Regis Resources, Northern Star and Ramelius Resources were up strongly on the back of elevated gold prices after world leaders warned major oil producer Russia may invade Ukraine within days.

Global private equity group Blackstone has won the battle to take over Crown Resorts for almost $9 billion, barring no better offer emerging.

An uncomfortable end to an otherwise good week has reminded ASX investors of the perils of a rising interest rate environment.

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned federal politicians that raising the cash rate too soon could put expected lower unemployment at risk

National Australia Bank pleased with first-quarter earnings while under-fire AMP gave investors more reason to believe this earnings season could be a good one.

Wealth manager AMP says that it has received interest from outside suitors in its AMP Capital business, as it handed down a full-year net loss.

Commonwealth Bank's first-half profit inspired a rush on financial shares while technology stocks also surged on a good day for ASX investors.

CBA has flagged an additional $2 billion share buyback after first-half profit jumped 26 per cent to $4.7 billion.

Financial giants have impressed investors with their earnings and helped stoke expectations of the Commonwealth Bank figures due on Wednesday.

Border closures have cost the Australian economy billions of dollars with bosses having trouble finding suitable staff in the absence of skilled migrants.

Financial shares were the worst performers on the ASX, while mining and energy stocks helped offset some of the losses.

Easing of lockdown restrictions and a splurge by festive season shoppers have helped retail sales jump by a record 8.2 per cent in the December quarter.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group has flagged softer revenue and lower margins in the December quarter amid tough competition in the home loans market.

Shares had their best week of the year on the ASX as investors turn their attention from rate rises to Australian earnings season.