Financial Services

The Australian sharemarket has opened more than one per cent higher after strong US jobs numbers pushed American stocks to a record high and helped miners outperform the market.

The Australian dollar has pushed above 103 US cents on news of improvements in the US jobs market.

European and US stock markets soared to end last week, with the Dow, S&P 500 and Germany's Dax setting new records, as strong US jobs data for April revived confidence in the US economic recovery.

The Australian sharemarket closed flat as investors reap profits from booming bank stocks and some worries about global growth.

Recently-established consulting group Avior Consulting has brokered the sale of Perth-based insurance business Australian Network Adjusters.

Perth-based lender P&N bank has pre-empted the Reserve Bank of Australia on interest rates, cutting the rate on its three-year fixed rate home loans to 5.1 per cent.

The Australian share market has opened one per cent higher.

Shedding light on the social impact of Western Australia’s remarkable growth will be a priority focus for the new economics research centre at Curtin University.

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.

Investors did not view the Australian dollar as a safe haven during the global financial crisis, despite the country’s strong economy, new research from Murdoch University suggests.