AAP

Shares in Africa-focused Globe Metals and Mining rose today after it released positive rare earth exploration results.

Qantas Airways has suffered a further hiccup on its new flights to Dallas/Fort Worth, but the airline says it is confident the route is a viable one.

Australian stocks closed lower as weakness among finance-linked companies due to offshore concerns dragged the broader market into the red.

Musicians Jimmy Barnes, John Butler and ex Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst have sung in protest outside the head offices of two of Australia's biggest gas and petroleum companies.

Premier Colin Barnett will travel overseas this week to discuss the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth in October, trade matters and the state's bid for a giant radio telescope.

Iron ore developer Sundance Resources has refuted a report that its majority shareholder Hanlong Mining is considering a full takeover of the company.

West Australian government MPs are being pressured by the Chinese consulate to avoid the Dalai Lama on his visit to Perth next month.

China's rapid economic growth is driving demand for more than just Australia's resources and is now providing opportunities for financial services, Trade Minister Craig Emerson says.

Iron-ore developer WPG Resources says it expects the mining regulator to approve its mining and rehabilitation plan (MARP) for the Peculiar Knob project in South Australia in July.

Figures released today confirm the likelihood the economy contracted in the March quarter.

The Australian stock market has opened weaker in directionless trade, on a lack of company news and public holidays in the UK and US.

A key member of the federal government's multi-party climate change committee is yet to be convinced a price on carbon is the way to address global warming.

A key measure of consumer confidence rose unexpectedly this month and Americans' spending and income climbed in April, giving stocks their third straight day of gains on Friday.

The Australian dollar was higher after commodity prices and US equity markets closed stronger in the offshore session on Friday night.

PM orders carbon tax blitz – The Aus; Banks told to prepare for more shocks – The Fin; Miners under cyber attack – The Aus; Barnett wins reprieve in WA power crisis – The Fin; Rocky Bay in war of words over pay row – The West

London-listed online gaming company Sportingbet has struck it lucky in the Australian market after internet gaming and wagering firm Centrebet International agreed to its $183 million takeover offer.

As the government's deadline for putting a price on carbon nears, members of the committee working on the scheme will roll their sleeves up for an informal weekend meeting.

Single-mine gold and copper producer OZ Minerals will trade on a post-consolidation basis from Monday May 30.

The federal government faces an uphill battle to implement its mandatory pre-commitment gambling scheme after all states, except Tasmania, argued that it should remain optional.

Three small, rural Tasmanian towns have plenty to teach the rest of the country - and a government monopoly - about how to handle the NBN rollout.

The failure of the ASX/SGX merger and tax rulings on private equity deals, such as that involving Myer, will not stand in the way of Australia becoming a financial services hub for the region, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten says.

The Australian stock market recovered from early softness to end the week higher, as bargain hunters moved in to recover value in a heavily sold-down bourse.

The federal government has given bookmakers 12 months to rein in their spruiking of in-run betting during sports broadcasts, or risk having laws introduced to control it.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten does not believe tying up money from the government's proposed mining tax in a sovereign wealth fund is a sensible idea.

Thousands of Australian credit cards have been cancelled and reissued after a possible security breach involving a credit card merchant.

The Maritime Union of Australia and stevedore Patrick could resume pay negotiations next week after wharf workers returned to full-time duties at ports across Australia.

Virgin Australia will have to wait until June for final approval of its proposed partnership with Delta Air Lines on trans-Pacific routes after the US government extended the comment period by a week.

The Australian stock market has opened slightly lower, after a relatively soft lead from Wall Street, with investors taking profits made earlier in the week.

US stocks ended higher on Thursday after a morning slump, with Nasdaq tech stocks outperforming while the Dow's blue chips gave a feeble showing.

The Australian dollar was almost half a US cent higher after news of an planned influx of Chinese investment into New Zealand improved market sentiment.

Miners plan $90 billion project spree – The Fin; Barnett's Derby gas base plan in doubt – The West; Swan adamant in royalties row – The Fin; Threat of carbon tax blackouts – The Aus; Blakiston falls to east coast suitor – The West

Caltex Australia refiner margins continued to contract in April, as the price of crude oil rose on tight supply after the Japanese earthquake and Libyan conflict.