AAP

Stocks staged an afternoon-long rally and closed higher on Wednesday as Greece appeared to close in on the cost-cutting deal it needs to keep from defaulting on its national debt.

The Australian dollar pushed past the 108 US cent mark as markets continue to react positively to the central bank's unexpected decision to hold interest rates steady.

 Jetstar is hoping to steal a march on its low-cost rival AirAsia by bringing forward the launch date of its new Japanese airline.

Property developer Australand believes it can improve earnings despite suffering a 15 per cent drop in annual profit.

BHP Billiton chief executive Marius Kloppers has blamed complex Labor workplace laws for creating the conditions for current strike action at the company's coal operations.

The Australian share market has closed higher as a positive day for energy stocks offset weakness among Australia's retail banks and mining giant BHP Billiton.

Electricity prices in Western Australia will jump another five per cent next year, and power producer Verve and retailer Synergy will be merged, according to Premier Colin Barnett.

Security officers have escorted  Premier Colin Barnett past shouting Aboriginal protesters from a venue in Kings Park after he outlined a native title settlement deal to Noongar people.

Australia's sole antimony mine is to be revived under plans by Emu Nickel, which needs to raise $60 million to buy the asset and re-start production.

The federal government will consider whether there needs to be changes to copyright laws after being lobbied by Australia's sporting codes over broadcasting rights.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Labor will bring the federal budget back into surplus in 2012/13 but the opposition cannot make that commitment.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has brushed off concerns borrowers could be hit with higher bank interest rates, saying home owners and businesses could take their business elsewhere.

 US firm Space Systems/Loral has won the $620 million contract for two satellites to provide high-speed broadband to areas in remote Australia.

The Australian share market has opened firmer as traders await a busy day tomorrow for local earnings reports.

Rio Tinto has again demonstrated its faith in Asia's growing demand for iron ore by committing $US3.4 billion ($A3.2 billion) to expand its operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

BHP Billiton's first-half profit has fallen by 5.5 per cent to $US9.941 billion ($A9.3 billion), due to lower commodity prices and some production constraints.

Swiss mining giant Xstrata has booked a 12 per cent jump in attributable profit for calendar 2011 to a record $US5.78 billion ($5.41 billion) due to increased production volumes, cost savings and h

The Australian dollar rose to a fresh six-month high and is set for more gains after the central bank surprised the markets by keeping interest rates on hold.

Macquarie Group plans to cut 10 per cent of its investment banking jobs and fears its full year profit will plunge as difficult trading conditions take their toll.

Australian shares closed weaker after the central bank unexpectedly kept interest rates on hold and the National Australia Bank and Macquarie Group posted results that disappointed the market.

Australia's tourism figures continue to make for bleak reading, with nearly 10,000 fewer international visitors arriving here in 2011, and the number of Aussies taking overseas holidays soaring to

 National Australia Bank is on track for another record cash profit, but the bank says higher funding costs have begun to hit its revenue.

Local crop protection chemical firms have welcomed an investigation by a federal government body into the importation from China of large amounts of a herbicide used in weed control.

West Africa-focused gold explorer Taruga Gold has made a flat debut on the Australian Securities Exchange.

 The federal government has reopened a multimillion-dollar solar energy grant process amid concern about an investment shortfall at its preferred first-round choice.

The Western Australian electric scooter company that helps transport postmen in Spain and police in the Czech Republic has announced its first shipment to Malaysia.

Engineering and construction company Clough has won a $140 million contract for work on Inpex's $US34 billion ($A31.82 billion) Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

South African miner Exxaro Resources is 27 per cent shy of reaching the minimum acceptance level in its $338 million take-over bid for Perth-based iron ore explorer African Iron, with one week left

Mining and rail equipment manufacturer Bradken says its first-half profit is up 65 per cent and its full-year expectations remain unchanged.

The Australian share market market has opened flat as investors await the release of the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision and news from Greece and local earnings reports.

Banks say they may not be able pass on any interest rate cut the Reserve Bank of Australia makes today.