Financial Services

National Australia Bank has made a record profit of almost $6 billion and hopes an improvement in business confidence will boost its bottom line next year.

The Australian share market has closed slightly lower as falls by most major banks and gains among industrial stocks resulted in a flat day of trade.

The Australian market has opened lower following falls in US stocks after the Federal Reserve hinted at when it may start to unwind its stimulus program.

The Australian market has opened lower following falls in US stocks after the Federal Reserve hinted at when it may start to unwind its stimulus program.

The Australian dollar has recovered somewhat after dipping to a three-week low following the US Federal Reserve's announcement it will keep its aggressive economic stimulus program in place for now.

US stocks have closed lower after the US Federal Reserve maintained an aggressive monetary stimulus program and reiterated that it will await stronger economic conditions before scaling it back.

Australian shares have finished firmer as investors expect the US Federal Reserve to maintain its economic stimulus measures.

Australian stocks have opened higher after Wall Street's Dow Jones and S&P 500 both hit fresh record highs.

The Dow and S&P 500 has closed at fresh all-time highs one day before a US Federal Reserve decision that is expected to maintain aggressive monetary stimulus.

The Australian dollar has fallen below 95 US cents for the first time in three weeks after Reserve Bank of Australia boss said the persistently high currency would eventually get weaker.

The Australian share market fell as investors took profits after the recent record highs reached by three of the big four banks.

The Australian market has opened lower following a run of gains, an absence of more positive drivers and flat offshore leads overnight.

ANZ boss Mike Smith says the bank is "firing on all cylinders" after posting a bumper $6.5 billion profit.

US stocks have ended a quiet day essentially flat ahead of a two-day US Federal Reserve policy meeting that concludes on Wednesday.

The Australian dollar is lower as traders await more information on the state of the US economy.

The Australian sharemarket has closed at a five year high as the major banks lifted ahead of the release of NAB and ANZ results.

The Australian share market is up and approaching five-and-a-half year highs after shares in the US hit all-time highs overnight.

From Saturday, October 26:

he Australian dollar is slightly lower amid nervousness about the Chinese banking system.

Australian shares defied falls on other Asian markets to end the week with a gain.

Australian shares have opened higher following a positive night on global markets.

US stocks have risen amid a mixed bag of earnings reports, as investors punished underperforming companies while bidding the overall market higher.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower as traders take profits after the currency's three-week rally.

Australian shares have finished higher, driven by strong gains among the big banks.

Australian shares are firmer as stronger demand for banking stocks offsets losses across the resources sector.

Perth-based miner Mirabela Nickel has been hit with a 'selective default' rating following a missed interest payment.

US stocks have ended lower, a decline that analysts have attributed to a mix of profit-taking and a couple of prominent earnings disappointments.

The Australian dollar is lower amid concerns about an apparent increase in bad debt in China.

Australian shares have fallen for the first time in seven trading sessions following a jump in China's money market rate.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says it is "almost inconceivable" the government's commission of audit will recommend tax increases.

The Australian share market has opened higher with investors confident the US central bank will continue its economic stimulus program following weaker-than-expected jobs figures.

The federal government is giving the Reserve Bank of Australia $8.8 billion to strengthen its ability to implement monetary policy and foreign exchange operations.