Financial Services

Australia's banking system has been given its semi-annual tick of approval but the central bank is keeping a watchful eye on potential longer-term risks.

Australian stocks have opened slightly weaker, with concerns over Germany's business confidence and euro zone debt weighs down investor sentiment.

A sharp fall by Facebook and weakness in Apple's shares despite the strong iPhone 5 launch have helped pull US markets lower.

The Australian dollar has fallen by half a US cent amid talk of more interest rate cuts by the central bank.

Australian shares started the week lower with weaker commodity prices contributing to big falls in mining stocks.

National Australia Bank has joined its rival ANZ in bringing forward to November its prediction of when the Reserve Bank will next cut the cash rate.

The federal government has reported a slightly smaller-than-forecast budget deficit for 2011/12, helped by higher individual tax receipts and lower outgoings.

Australian stocks have opened weaker, with the mining-related sectors leading the broader market lower.

US stocks are showing clear signs of frailty as investors grow increasingly worried about slowing economic growth and corporate earnings.

The Australian dollar has staged a surprising rebound, courtesy of its weaker US counterpart.

A Federal Court judge has ruled in favour of a group of 72 councils, charities and churches, including the City of Swan, holding investment bank Lehman Brothers liable for millions of dollars

Australian shares have closed firmer, with gains underpinned by strength in the financial sector.

United Community Credit Union has tipped a housing recovery to gather pace over the next 12 months in Western Australia, after its parent company, Community CPS Australia, announced a net profit of

The International Monetary Fund has given the Australian economy a resounding vote of confidence and endorsed a return to surplus, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

The Australian market has opened slightly higher after weak leads from Wall Street and European markets.

The Australian dollar has lifted above the 104 US cents, on the back of improved data from Germany and commentary from the US central bank.

US stocks ended mixed after poor economic data in the US, Europe and China pushed markets to losses in early trade.

 The Australian dollar has fallen to a near two-week low on disappointing Chinese manufacturing data.

Amid concerns about wage-driven inflation, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens has emerged as paragon of restraint.

The Australian share market has closed lower as investors took profits after a recent strong upwards run.

The International Monetary Fund says Australia's banking system is well placed to withstand a US-style housing crisis.

Australian stocks have opened lower despite gains on overseas markets.

US stocks scored small gains on Wednesday as investors weighed encouraging housing data and falling crude oil prices that stoked hopes for more growth in the tepid economy.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher after Japan's central bank announced it would extend its stimulus program for the world's third largest economy.

Former National Australia Bank state manager Andrew Whitechurch has been appointed head of Bankwest's new products and marketing division.

Australian shares finished at their highest levels since the start of May, driven up by news of a major Japanese economic stimulus program.

Australian stocks have opened marginally weaker as investors had a subdued reaction to the Spanish government's plan to slash the nation's deficit.

US stocks have finished mostly lower as the aura of the Federal Reserve's new QE3 stimulus wore off and worries about company profits were heightened after FedEx cut its earnings outlook.

The Australian dollar is two-thirds of a US cent lower following weak performances on Asian share markets.

Australian shares finished slightly weaker, with investors consolidating recent gains generated by moves to boost growth in the US and Europe.

Shadow treasurer Joe Hockey predicts federal tax revenue has fallen by between $20 billion and $25 billion since the budget due to softening commodity prices and a decline in corporate tax.

Homeowners may be in for an early Christmas present, with the Reserve Bank of Australia expected to deliver at least one more interest rate cut before the end of 2012.