AAP

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says she won't be changing the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) she negotiated with big resource companies last year, despite a push from the Greens.

Gold dropped four per cent on Wednesday as a sharp rise in US durable goods orders and uncertainty ahead of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's speech to central bankers sparked bullion's biggest one-day drop in 2.5 years.

The Australian dollar will stay above parity and may go as high as 123 US cents, causing job losses in small- to medium-sized businesses, a survey shows.

James Packer’s Crown Limited has increased full year profit by 15 per cent, but the casino operator saw revenues drop significantly at its Burswood venue due to a drop in VIP play.

Apple's legendary co-founder and top ideas man Steve Jobs has resigned as chief executive, the company says, in a long expected move after he began a dramatic fight with cancer.

Construction giant Leighton Holdings has unexpectedly appointed a new chief executive, as well as a new chairman, a day after chairman David Mortimer suddenly stood down.

Woolworths has increased full year profit by 5.1 per cent as the country's biggest supermarket chain says it's well positioned in all its market segments.

The Australian share market has opened higher following a strong lead from Wall Street.

Rio Tinto has increased its stake in Ivanhoe Mines with a payment of $C529.5 million ($A511.7 million).

Iluka Resources has booked a first half profit due to higher mineral sands production and a jump in prices, and expects strong prices will continue amid tight supply.

US stocks rose Wednesday following an upbeat report on durable-goods orders and amid hopes that the US central bank chief might endorse new stimulus measures later this week.

Record profits for NW iron ore giants – The West; 'No sign' Aussie steel shut out – The Aus; DEC joins fight against SW coal – The West; Red tape cut in new green laws – The Fin; Super fund eyes half stake in premium Perth tower – The Fin

BHP Billiton's record $A22.46 billion net profit shows the need for a resources rent tax, Australia's lead mining union says.

Ports and rail operator Asciano has returned to a full year profit, boosted by more coal contracts in Queensland and fewer one-off charges.

The Australian share market closed flat, pulling back from earlier gains as investors awaited firmer direction from a global meeting of central bankers later in the week in the United States.

Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet should cut all his renewable energy policies before asking the states to do the same, Premier Colin Barnett said.

Western Australia's first fire commissioner will be "someone in uniform" and is unlikely to have links to the existing lead fire authority, Premier Colin Barnett says.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke must delay his decision on heritage listing for the West Kimberley and not rely on a report based on "emotion rather than evidence", a key mining group says.

Gold miner St Barbara has returned to profitability, booking a full year net profit of $68.6 million, and flagging a jump in production this financial year.

Ausenco has reported a first half profit of $7.71 million, as the engineering and mining services provider forecasts that 2011 results will improve significantly from 2010.

First-home buyers are dipping their toes back in the market thanks to a correction in house prices, while existing mortgage borrowers are keeping their loans for longer, Mortgage Choice says.

The two-speed economy is continuing to move activity into the mining sector and away from the non-mining sectors of the economy, the latest figures show.

Minara Resources' biggest shareholder, Swiss commodities giant Glencore, has launched a $1.017 billion takeover bid for the nickel miner.

WorleyParsons expects further earnings growth, after a 25 per cent lift in full year profit and solid performances in all geographic segments.

Restructuring and other costs has led to a 75.3 per cent fall in employment agency Skilled Group's full year net profit.

Shares in Seven West Media surged nearly 20 per cent after the company said it's on track to refinance debt and to strengthen its balance sheet despite a tough advertising market.

The Australian share market open higher on the back of better-than-expected early manufacturing readings in China.

Downer EDI says it's unclear whether market volatility will have a negative affect on future projects after the firm posted a $27.8 million full year loss.

Qantas Airways has more than doubled full year net profit and says the general operating environment is challenging and extremely volatile.

Uncertainty and volatility are likely to feature in global financial markets for years to come, Treasury secretary Martin Parkinson has warned.

The Australian dollar gained half a US cent as hopes grew that the US central bank would launch a third round of economic stimulus.

US stocks surged strongly on Tuesday, boosted by growing hopes the US Federal Reserve will offer new stimulus measures to kick-start a sluggish economy.