AAP

US stocks plunged Monday amid renewed worries about the eurozone debt crisis, which claimed its first major US casualty -- a key brokerage that filed for bankruptcy.

The Australian dollar is weaker from Friday as traders await a interest rate decision by the central bank on Tuesday.

The Australian Securities Exchange's 21-year monopoly on share trading is over after cheaper rival Chi-X quietly opened for business.

France's Arianespace will launch a new satellite for Optus in 2013 to boost capacity for the telco's internet, voice and data services.

Ratings agencies have placed Qantas Airways on review for a possible downgrade following the grounding of the entire Qantas fleet over the weekend.

The Royal Australian Air Force has come to the rescue of federal MPs stuck in Western Australia due to the Qantas strike.

Credit growth picked up a little in September, marginally eroding the case for lower interest rates, but price measures leant the other way.

The Australian share market has ended another volatile month on global stock markets by posting the biggest one-month gain in two years.

Shares in Africa-focused miner Paladin were punished after it reported a fall in uranium production amid weak market prices, despite record sales for the September quarter.

The only way to meet a tripling in natural gas demand in eastern Australia is by allowing unconventional gas projects, such as coal seam gas (CSG), oil and gas producer Santos says.

Unions representing Qantas workers may challenge a ban on strike action but say they hope to settle their industrial dispute with the airline.

Price rises associated with travel and home ownership were offset by falling fruit and vegetable  and rent costs in October, according to a new survey.

Rare earths supplier Lynas Corporation says slight delays mean a planned Malaysian plant will now come on line during the first half of 2012.

The Australian share market opened the week lower, after markets in the United States had mixed results on Friday.

Qantas will recover market share and press ahead with plans to set up an international business in Asia despite incurring more that $100 million in lost earnings, the airline's boss says.

The Australian dollar is at its highest levels in almost two months, rising on the back of optimism that the eurozone debt crisis will be contained.

After powerful equity relief rallies on a European debt crisis deal and stronger US economic growth, Wall Street investors are poised to refocus on the home front this week.

Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell says net profits doubled to $US6.98 billion ($A6.73 billion) between June and September as revenues rose by a third thanks to higher oil prices.

The Queen was surrounded by didgeridoos, AFL footballs and kangaroo stew as Aboriginal Australia took centre stage on her visit to Perth.

The Australian dollar is trading at seven-week highs, gaining over one US cent after a breakthrough was announced to resolve the eurozone government debt crisis.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says Labor's ban on selling uranium to India isn't holding back the country's civil nuclear program.

A clash is looming between police and protesters planning to occupy Forrest Place, with authorities insisting that overnight camping there won't be allowed.

Australian shares closed up more than two per cent after a truncated trading day caused by technical problems.

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited the University of Western Australia to learn about the latest aerial mining exploration technology.

Australia will support global efforts to improve corporate governance and transparency in the resources sector.

European leaders have agreed on a crucial plan to reduce Greece's debts and provide it with more rescue loans so that the faltering country can eventually dig out from under its debt burden.

Customs workers say they are close to a new pay deal with management, ending weeks of rolling strike action.

Newcrest Mining has warned that the proposed carbon tax threatens the wellbeing of gold producers.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he is yet to speak to a Liberal backbencher who indicated he might cross the floor in support of Labor's mining tax.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says there would be no excuse for retail banks not to lower their loan rates should the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate next week.

Ten Network Holdings full year profit plunged 90.5 per cent as the broadcaster continues an operational and strategic review.

Woolworths has reported a "patchy" first quarter sales result, with its supermarkets, liquor and new homeware divisions performing well, while sales declined at Big W.