Financial Services

US stocks have taken a sharp plunge as fears over the contagion in the eurozone crisis trumped some mildly positive data on the US economy.

The Australian share market closed slightly higher as investors shrugged off significant falls on overseas markets and focused on domestic corporate news.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is focusing more on managing risk, given the financial volatility seen over the past few years, its governor, Glenn Stevens, said.

Industrial services company Spotless Group says a $698 million takeover offer from a private equity firm undervalues the company.

Australian stocks have opened lower but outperformed significant declines on offshore markets.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has admitted the eurozone has still not identified the road to recovery from its crippling debt crisis, after talks with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

US stocks closed sharply lower Wednesday as turmoil on the eurozone bond markets indicated little confidence in Europe's efforts to manage its debt crisis.

Perth-based oil and gas explorer Jacka Resources has appointed a new chairman in former Hardman Resources director Scott Spencer, to replace the outgoing Brett Smith.

The Australian dollar is close to falling below parity after dropping by more than one US cent as investors continued to worry about Europe's debt crisis.

The Australian share market closed lower after a positive lead from United States markets was outweighed by continued concerns about Europe's debt problems.

BC Iron expects ongoing volatility in the iron ore price, but says the market will remain healthy.

At $1,000 per bottle, it's Australian wine brand Penfolds' most expensive red at the time of its release, and the first customers to see the luxurious drop are in China.

Shares in internet service provider iiNet are in a trading halt amid speculation it is the preferred bidder for Australian Capital Territory telco TransACT.

Homeowners looking to refinance their mortgage to secure a better deal could struggle to find a new lender because house prices have fallen and the loan could be more than the home's value.

Development giant Mirvac has been selected as the state government’s preferred proponent to commence a $1.5 billion redevelopment of Karratha, including a new town centre and a 1,500-dwelling coast

Australia's central bank will provide a facility to ensure commercial banks have enough cash in times of financial crisis.

Australian shares opened slightly higher due to a positive lead from the US, but enthusiasm was subdued with the focus remaining on Europe's debt problems.

The Australian dollar was slightly higher as the increased cost of borrowing for European governments weighed on market sentiment.

A bit of positive data on the US economy gave stocks a boost on Tuesday, as traders brushed off new figures showing stalling European economic growth.

Australia's middle-ranked miners are sitting on a $7.6 billion cash mountain after tapping shareholders for funds, leaving them better placed to weather the volatile share market.

Fund manager Perpetual has allocated a fifth of its resources portfolio to offshore investments as it seeks attractively priced stocks amid global volatility and uncertainty.

The Australian dollar fell more than one US cent even though the central bank gave no direct hints on the future path of interest rates, which the market expects will be cut in December.

Consumer worries about interest rates have been overtaken by concerns about the impact of the carbon tax and utility costs on household finances.

Australian shares closed half a per cent weaker amid renewed worries about European debt.

The federal government's move to lift a ban on uranium sales to India has boosted uranium stocks, but share prices are still well below the levels before the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

A leading business lobby group has urged the federal government not to increase taxes to achieve its budget surplus, as Labor looks for ways to make up for falling revenues.

Premier Colin Barnett says China will play hardball over joining the Oakajee port and rail project but he is optimistic it will go ahead.

Businesses that incorrectly attribute price rises to carbon pricing are being scrutinised by the competition watchdog.

Small business trading conditions and confidence have continued to deteriorate against the backdrop of an escalating European debt crisis, and weak consumer confidence and spending, a new survey sh

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has not given any indication that it will cut interest rates again in the coming months.

Australian stocks have opened lower, as investors followed the lead set in offshore markets during the overnight session.

Gold fell on Monday as the US dollar strengthened, tracking riskier assets as investors once again focused on the huge euro zone sovereign debt problems following initial optimism surrounding new g