Financial Services

Commonwealth Bank is free to seize control of independent mortgage provider Aussie Home Loans after the competition watchdog gave its blessing to the deal.

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

US stocks have recorded solid gains as the Federal Reserve held steady on its policy of economic stimulus.

West Africa-focused Papillon Resources has successfully raised $52.9 million through an institutional placement, with proceeds to fast track the development of its Fekola gold project.

The recovering property sector in Western Australia has helped to drive credit union Community CPS Australia to a $13.1 million first-half net profit.

Australian stocks have opened 0.75 per cent weaker, with the big miners leading the broader market lower.

 US stocks closed mixed on Tuesday, holding on as the Cyprus financial crisis threatened to ignite more turmoil across the European financial system.

The Australian dollar is higher after the currency recovered from yesterday's fall, while taking a string of public comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia in its stride.

Australian stocks have closed lower for a second straight day after giving up early gains during afternoon trading.

The Australian share market has opened higher amid views that investors over-reacted to Europe's debt problems with heavy sell-offs yesterday.

The twin villains of Australian businesses in recent years - the high dollar and increased household savings - have saved the economy from overheating and spared consumers from outsized price hikes

US stocks have fallen for a second straight day as the Cyprus banking crisis sent jitters through markets.

The Australian dollar has closed flat, with the currency finding support despite fresh jitters from Europe stemming from a proposed Cyprus deposit levy.

The Australian share market lost two per cent as spooked investors sold off local stocks amid bailout plans for Cyprus.

Treasurer Wayne Swan believes the challenge for this year's federal budget will be weaker revenues.

Australia's corporate regulator has proposed further rules on trading in dark pools, but described public concerns over high frequency trading as overstated.

The Australian market has fallen by almost 1.5 per cent due to concerns about a bailout of Cyprus and falls on Wall Street.

Hefty credit card surcharges could be on the way out after Visa became the first company to ban Australian retailers from slapping on the fees.

US markets have taken a needed pause after a relentless 10-day run, marked by the Dow setting new records for eight straight sessions.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, holding on to the gains made on Thursday after the release of stellar jobs figures.

The Australian share market bounced back on Friday as traders decided the economy is doing better than a preceding three-day run of losses would suggest.

Perth-based Addwealth Financial Services has lost its operating licence after failing to lodge independent compliance reports.

The banks involved in Australia's most expensive and longest-running court case have won the right to take their battle to the High Court.

The Australian share market has opened stronger after stocks in the United States posted their longest winning streak in more than 16 years.

The S&P 500 flirted with an all-time high Thursday as equity markets continued their upward march in the wake of strong labour data and bullish market sentiment.

The Australian dollar has closed at a five-week high after strong jobs data raised the prospect the central bank would leave interest rates unchanged in the period ahead.

The Australian share market finished more than one per cent lower after better than expected jobs data cut the chance of another interest rate cut.

The Australian share market has opened flat despite stocks in the United States posting their longest winning streak in more than 16 years.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average set a new record closing for the seventh straight day Wednesday as US stocks registered small gains.

The Australian dollar is higher after the release of some encouraging consumer sentiment figures.

Businesses expect the pain of a high exchange rate to intensify over the coming year, with exporters saying they will respond by slashing their investment spending.

The Australian share market closed lower on Wednesday, dragged down by the four big banks.