AAP

Rio Tinto says Sir Rod Eddington and Yves Fortier will retire as non-executive directors of the mining giant at the end of the annual general meeting on May 5.

Wayne Bergmann, the Kimberley Land Council head who has spearheaded Aboriginal negotiations over a controversial gas hub near Broome, is stepping down from the role.

Australia's biggest gold miner Newcrest Mining has nearly doubled its estimate of deposits at a mine in Papua New Guinea to more than 30 million ounces of gold.

The Australian sharemarket opened higher this morning after a positive lead from United States markets on the back of encouraging US economic data.

The Australian dollar was weaker this morning after a battery of US data signalled the US economic engine is firing up once again.

Hancock faces $300m hit after rail access deal with FMG stalls – The West; Carbon plan can't curb WA power bill – The Fin; Chinese push for Oakajee shake-up – The Aus; Atlas talks up its Pilbara port capacity; Failed builder's 'list of errors' - The West

US stocks soared on Thursday sparked by new data showing steady improvement in the jobs market, retail sales and the economy's service sector, and as oil prices eased slightly.

When audio engineer Tom Misner began showing people how to twiddle the knobs in the 1970s, he never imagined the business would sell for almost $300 million three decades later.

Ratings agency Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the outlook for Alcoa of Australia from negative to stable.

The Australian sharemarket proved resilient to a steady stream of negative news from the Middle East, closing flat on solid performances from resources and healthcare sectors.

A takeover bid of Perth-based oil and gas explorer Amadeus Energy hasn't been resolved and its shares remain in a trading halt, the company says.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the government's decision not to fund insulation for homes near Perth airport is based on science.

Ratings agency Fitch has resolved its negative rating watch on Downer EDI, praising the work of its new management team and playing down the impact of a troubled train project on the company's ability to win other work.

The Australian sharemarket has opened slightly lower despite positive economic and manufacturing data from the US and Europe overnight.

Gold touched a record high above $1,440 an ounce yesterday, as a bullish confluence of political unrest in Libya, surging oil prices and easy monetary policies spurred safe haven buying.

Burrup collapse may cost ANZ $100 million – The Fin; New investors come to the rescue to keep Neptune afloat – The West; Heritage bid for Burrup – The West; Little hotel plan for Fremantle- The West; Satterley finds Perth variation – The Fin

The Australian dollar opened higher after better than expected US private sector employment data heightened expectations for official US employment figures on Friday night.

Wall Street stocks edged higher on Wednesday after a surprisingly strong report on hiring by private companies raised hopes that the job market may be improving.

PERTH house prices fell 1.5 per cent in January, amid a national fall of 1.6 per cent that further dampened growth as natural disasters swept across the nation, according to a recent survey.

The controversial boss of the discredited fuel pill company Firepower has failed to appear in court to seek a hearing on whether he can get his passport back.

The Australian sharemarket closed lower as tensions in the Middle East continued to rattle markets and spike up oil prices.

The consumer group Choice says a supermarket ombudsman would help decide whether milk at $1 a litre was helping or harming customers.

Frank Lowy is handing the day-to-day control of shopping centre giant Westfield Group to his sons, just over 50 years since he co-founded the company in Sydney's western suburbs.

Filipino workers paid "slave labour" rates on the North West Shelf could be entitled to tens of thousands of dollars in back pay, the Australian Workers Union says.

Local councils, including Melville and Swan, were duped by Lehman Brothers Australia into thinking they were buying safe investments, the Federal Court has heard at the start of a landmark $250 million lawsuit.

Passengers on cruise ships passing through West Australian waters will now be able to gamble on board after the state government lifted a ban on casino gaming at sea.

Australia's economic growth remains "impressive" despite a backdrop of wild weather and weak economies abroad, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

Consolidated Media boss James Packer has resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings, effective immediately.

The Australian sharemarket has opened lower following negative leads from Wall St overnight and continuing tensions in the Middle East.

Consultants Access Economics and professional services firm Deloitte have joined forces to create an economics advisory practice to be known as Deloitte Access Economics.

Murchison Metals shares have been placed in a trading halt as the miner waits to see if the West Australian government will grant an extension to its stalled Oakajee port and rail development.

Zinc, copper and nickel miner Kagara has failed in its $14.3 million takeover bid for explorer Copper Strike.