Financial Services

National Australia Bank says volatile global markets are pushing up the cost of funds and 2012 will be a challenging year.

Australian stocks fell as fears that France may face a downgrade to its sovereign debt rating sparked renewed concerns about the fall out from the euro zone debt crisis.

Australian shares clawed back lost ground to end flat after the largest monthly fall in consumer confidence since 2008 dragged down markets.

Westpac Banking Corporation says volatility in global financial markets is continuing to weigh on the bank's revenue from its markets and treasury business.

Australian stocks opened slightly lower after the US Federal Reserve disappointed markets by holding off with further monetary easing.

Mortgage arrears stabilised during the September quarter and are expected to fall as the impact of the central bank's recent interest rate cuts reach borrowers, Fitch Ratings says.

Australian shares slumped in line with stock markets across Asia as warnings from two ratings agencies wiped out optimism that Europe's debt crisis may be nearing a resolution.

Half of Australian households are not saving money and almost a quarter do not feel they could withstand a financial emergency, research shows.

Australian shares slumped 1.6 per cent as warnings from two ratings agencies doused hopes that the measures outlined at Europe's debt summit will be enough to resolve the crisis.

Australian shares rose more than one per cent after US data topped market expectations and a debt deal from Europe boosted hopes for the global economy.

The Australian dollar rose half a US cent as European leaders continued to discuss ways of combating their debt problems.

Chinese investment group Wah Nam International has moved to gain full ownership of iron ore company Brockman Resources, through a takeover pitched at less than half the value of its original offer.

Economists have been unsurprised by the release of higher housing finance figures, given the growing trend upwards in recent months.

Australian shares surged 1.6 per cent after key offshore bourses rallied on the back of Europe's latest plan to address its economic crisis.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the major four banks have looked after their customers leading into Christmas by moving inline with the central bank's interest rate cut.

Australian shares ended near their lowest point this month as investors took cash off the table ahead of a weekend of crunch talks on the future of the eurozone.

Clean energy company Algae.Tec today received $6 million backing from La Jolla Cove Investment to be drawn down over a three-year period.

Rey Resources has completed a $4 million share placement for its Duchess Paradise coal project in WA's Kimberley region.

Perth-based petroleum explorer Red Fork Energy has secured $27.9 million through a share placement, the company announced today.

Australian shares have dropped as dealers fear failure of a crucial summit in Europe could spell the break up of the eurozone.

Australian shares fell after disappointing jobs data added to an already muted market tone as investors awaited the outcome of the eurozone debt crisis summit.

CuDeco will raise $32 million for its Rocklands copper project in a share placement agreement with UK-based M&G Investments, the company announced today.

Perth-based gas production and exploration company Triangle Energy has won backing from investment group Standard Chartered Private Equity (Singapore), which has agreed to subscribe for $9.75

Treasurer Wayne Swan says the major four banks have looked after their customers leading into Christmas by moving inline with the central bank's interest rate cut.

Australian shares edged lower as investors continued to fret about whether eurozone leaders will be able to hammer out a deal to tackle the debt crisis at this week's summit.

Australian shares added 0.7 per cent as hopes for a new debt deal in Europe and forecast-beating economic growth data for the September quarter boosted investor appetite.

South Boulder Mines hopes to raise $10.1 million through a one-for-ten share deal at $1.10 per share.

WA’s largest locally owned banking institution Police & Nurses Credit Society has announced that it will follow the Reserve Bank, cutting the full interest rate on its variable home loan produc

Australian bond prices fell in overnight trade, reversing a bounce which followed the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to cut interest rates.

Australian shares are higher as hopes for a new debt deal in Europe and better than expected economic growth data for the September quarter boosted investor appetite for risk.

The Australian dollar fell following the central bank's decision to cut the cash rate on concerns about global market turmoil.

Australian shares are lower, breaking their six-day winning streak after Standard and Poor's warned 15 eurozone members of possible credit downgrades due to the region's deepening debt crisis.