AAP

Australia continues to post strong trade surpluses, but it may mean the central bank will have to raise the cash rate, economists say.

Western Australian gold miner Ramelius Resources has forecast a more than four fold rise in full year gross profit on the back of soaring production and gold prices.

Retailers say a structural shift in consumers' savings habits and weak department store sales are weighing on their struggling sector.

The state Mines Department will investigate allegations that safety is being compromised at the Frog's Leg gold mine near Kalgoorlie.

Downer EDI is reviewing its general consultancy practices in Asia, Australia and New Zealand perhaps leading to divesting the businesses.

Federal court proceeding involving grounded airline Tiger Airways have been adjourned for a third time.

Focus Minerals is set to assume majority control of Crescent Gold to create a mid-tier gold miner after major shareholder Deutsche Bank backed the deal.

Australian shares opened almost two per cent lower following a horror session on Wall Street, amid fears that the US may be slipping back into recession.

The Australian dollar was over one US cent lower this morning after the central bank kept the cash rates on hold on Tuesday and the release of weak US economic data overnight.

IMF warns rates will have to rise – The Aus; Gold miners put price on carbon tax – The West; Coles bulks up for liquor war – The Aus; WA to get NBN by end of year – The West; HIA warns of skills shortage – The West

A cashed-up Rio Tinto is expected to post a first half net profit of more than $US8 billion ($A7.3 billion), driven by bumper iron ore, aluminium and copper prices.

The prime minister's office made negotiations over a national hospitals plan "extremely difficult", but changes forced by the states finally closed the deal, Health Minister Kim Hames says.

International students are flocking to Canada at the expense of Australia due to uncertainty over visa rules and not because of the high Australian dollar, according to a major education company.

AngloGold Ashanti has flagged a fall in full year gold production at its Sunrise Dam mine near Laverton after heavy rain in February flooded the underground operation, triggering a wall collapse.

Australian shares closed lower as the Congressional deal to resolve US debt issues failed to allay investor concerns about the faltering American economy.

Australia's third-largest mobile operator Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) says it has lost 375,000 customers so far this year, as users sought alternatives in response to network and customer se

Rural Bank customers will have better access to their money and Australia Post will get a new source of revenue through a deal to provide deposits and loans at regional post offices.

Federal Trade Minister Craig Emerson will lead the biggest-ever business delegation to China this week to promote Australian service exports.

Three women have been arrested and charged with obstructing police during a protest near a proposed $30 billion gas hub site in the Kimberley.

Australia's third-largest nickel miner, Western Areas, says production is so strong that it will complete its obligations early and may negotiate higher contracts for the metal.

Canada's Barrick Gold Corporation says copper prices are set to remain robust as industrial demand from China and India continues to rise.

Education provider Navitas has increased full year profit by 20.5 per cent, and says demand remains robust as students seek training opportunities.

Australian shares opened almost one per cent lower despite the passage through the United States House of Representatives of a bill averting a deft default.

The Australian dollar was almost one US cent lower after the release of disappointing manufacturing data in the US and the UK.

US stocks fell on Monday as a last-minute deal on raising the government's debt ceiling and averting a potentially disastrous default headed for a contentious vote in Congress.

Miner in blistering attack on Gillard alliance – The West; Rio to fight union ruling – The Fin; Migration limits 'obscene' – The Fin; Minister's 'fudge' on pipe costs – The West; Alacer urges safety check on WA mine – The West

The state government has agreed to sign up to a national hospitals plan after 18 months of wrangling with Canberra.

US energy company Peabody Energy and European steel giant ArcelorMittal have made a direct appeal to Macarthur Coal's shareholders to accept their hostile all-cash $4.7 billion bid after the target

Australian shares gained more than 1.5 per cent in a "relief rally" after the United States avoided a debt default with an eleventh-hour agreement to cut its deficit.

Two affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors will acquire all Valad Property Group securities via a company scheme and trust scheme.

New guidelines are to be introduced to provide clearer information for consumers about the risk of their superannuation funds' investments.

Western Australia is moving towards giving all public schools independence so they can manage their own money, staffing and programs, the state's education minister says.