Financial Services

 US stocks closed sharply lower on Monday amid concerns that Silvio Berlusconi's strong showing in the Italian election could force a coalition government and spark fresh instability in the eu

The Australian dollar has closed lower in response to disappointing Chinese manufacturing data.

The Australian share market has closed higher as investors continued to feel optimistic despite weaker manufacturing data from China.

The Australian sharemarket has opened higher as investors continuing to chase high yielding stocks.

US stocks closed higher on Friday on renewed confidence that the US Federal Reserve stimulus program will continue.

The Australian dollar is three quarters of a US cent higher following Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens' appearance before a federal parliamentary committee.

The Australian share market partially reversed its big sell-off with a solid finish after the Reserve Bank's positive comments about the economy.

A Perth-based stockbroker has been sentenced to four years jail for defrauding clients out of more than $7.5 million.

The Australian market has opened stronger despite a fall on Wall Street overnight, earning back some of Thursday's massive losses.

The Reserve Bank of Australia says the mining investment boom is close to its peak.

US stocks closed lower Thursday, hit by weak data on US manufacturing and a glum turn downward in the much-watched Markit purchasing managers index that suggested more recession in the eurozone.

The Australian dollar is more than one US cent lower after speculation the US Federal Reserve could wind back its stimulus program earlier than expected caused a slide in global share markets.

More than $36 billion has been wiped from the value of Australian shares in the market's largest one-day decline in nine months.

Wealth manager AMP has posted another year of profit growth as the consolidation of its $4 billion purchase of AXA Asia Pacific coincides with improving financial markets.

The federal opposition says earnings on retirement savings are lower than they should be because of Labor government red tape.

Share market operator ASX's first half profit has fallen by 2.5 per cent due to lower investor activity in the first three months of the 2012/13 financial year.

US stocks have piled up losses after Federal Reserve minutes showed divisions over asset purchases, with some officials suggesting to wind them down before the jobs market picks up.

The Australian dollar is stronger against the greenback after statements from New Zealand's central bank led currency traders to move their money across the Tasman.

The Australian market has closed at a fresh four-year high as gains by financial stocks offset falls by the big miners.

Company collapses hit a record high in 2012, with the construction industry bearing the brunt.

The Australian market has opened firmer as Wall Street rallied to fresh five-year highs.

US stocks pushed higher on Tuesday, sending the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 to their best levels in more than five years.

The Australian dollar is higher against its US counterpart after the greenback sold off against most major currencies during the local session.

The Australian share market has closed at its highest level in more than four years, with reporting season delivering mostly positive results.

Australian businesses need to loosen the purse strings and start spending again, a prominent bank economist says.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is waiting to see how recent interest rate cuts flow through the economy before deciding if it needs to cut the cash rate further in 2013.

The Australian market has opened slightly lower as investors remain cautious ahead of Italy's general election.

 Gold has moved lower, with volumes easing as US markets closed for the President's Day holiday, while a lower euro and flat European shares also hurt investor interest.

The Australian dollar is more than half a US cent lower after a meeting of G20 finance ministers helped fuel a continued sell-off in the Japanese yen.

The Australian share market has closed higher, led by the major banks.

Private health insurer nib says its first half net profit has dropped, due to higher than forecast claims costs.

The Australian share market is firmer as local earnings results overshadow a weaker finish on US markets.