Financial Services

Westpac has lifted its first half profit by 11 per cent as it pursues growth opportunities such as deposits.

The S&P 500 has reached a new all-time high, boosted by an expected European Central Bank interest rate cut and a surprisingly good US jobless claims report.

The Australian share market has closed 0.7 per cent lower, with concerns about global economic growth pulling down resources stocks.

The Australian market has opened lower as lacklustre Chinese manufacturing data impacts mining stocks.

The Australian dollar has dropped back below 103 US cents for the first time in three days amid falls on US stock markets and weaker commodity prices.

US stocks have tumbled following weak employment and manufacturing data, and as the Federal Reserve stuck to its aggressive economic stimulus program.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower after peaking at a two-week high, following the release of weak Chinese and Australian manufacturing data.

The Australian stock market has closed lower, with weakness among the major miners helping snap a two-day rally.

Australian stocks have started the month weaker, with investors appearing to book profits after the market hit a fresh five-year high yesterday.

The Australian dollar has reached its highest level in two weeks amid gains on share markets and disappointing US manufacturing figures.

US stocks have risen amid solid data on housing and consumer confidence and as reports of a $US17 billion ($A16.5 billion) Apple bond sale cheered investors.

Australian stocks have closed higher as ANZ's $3 billion plus half-year profit dragged its shares to record highs and the local market along for the ride.

Australian stocks have opened firmer, with the big retail banks leading the broader market higher.

ANZ Bank has posted a first half profit slightly above expectations, and increased its dividend.

The Australian dollar has rallied to its highest level in 11 days following gains on global share markets.

The S&P 500 has closed at a fresh record high amid renewed confidence in the eurozone after the formation of the Italian government.

The Australian dollar has closed firmer, pushing above 103 US cents and moving in line with the rising price of gold.

Australian shares closed on a positive note as the four major banks lifted the market.

The Australian market has opened higher, led by gains for the four major banks.

The Australian dollar has dropped back below 103 US cents following weakness on global share markets and commodity prices.

US stocks rallied last week despite mediocre economic data and middling corporate earnings, revealing once again the power of the US policy regime of easy money and low interest rates.

A rise in commodity prices has helped push the Australian dollar back above the 103 US cent level.

The Australian market has closed slightly lower despite commodity stocks staging a comeback.

The Australian share market has opened slightly higher, boosted by stronger mining stocks on the back of improved prices for commodities.

Gold prices have closed at their highest level in nearly two weeks, as investors drew confidence from data showing central banks' purchases of the precious metal in March while brisk demand for gold coins, jewellery and bullion bars in Asia continued.

The Australian dollar is almost half a US cent higher as overseas stock markets and commodity prices gain ground.

US stocks have finished a volatile trading session higher following improved jobless claims data and a mixed bag of corporate earnings.

The Australian share market has closed about 1.5 per cent higher as low inflation figures raised investors' expectations of an interest rate cut.

The Australian market has opened higher, led by industrial stocks with exposure to the US and the major banks heading into reporting season.

The Australian dollar is higher after traders went bargain hunting when the currency fell to a six-week low.

US stocks have finished up more than one per cent despite a two-minute mini-crash caused by a false news agency tweet, with good earnings results from DuPont, Travelers and Netflix.

The Australian dollar has fallen to its lowest level in six weeks following the release of disappointing Chinese manufacturing figures.