US stocks have ended a quiet day higher as investors look ahead to some important economic reports later in the week, including the monthly jobs report.
Westpac has announced a record $7.1 billion full year profit, and the bank expects improving consumer confidence to help it build on the result next year.
US stocks paused this week following a stream of corporate earnings that were solid enough to maintain the year's gains, but not quite good enough to push the rally forward.
The Australian dollar is lower against the greenback, driven by good US data and talk that the US Federal Reserve could begin tapering its economic stimulus program sooner rather than later.
Shares in Macquarie Group climbed to their highest level in four years after the investment bank's half year profit rose by 39 per cent to $501 million.
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 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.
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.
