Financial Services

The Australian dollar rose past 90 US cents for the first time in almost a month after the Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke called for more action to stimulate the American economy.

The Australian market looks set to open higher following a mixed result on Wall Street on Friday.

Shares have continued to rally as the banks benefit from the US Federal Reserve's decision to dilute its stimulus measures, and Telstra hits a near nine-year high.

US stocks have closed mostly lower a day after a record-setting surge spurred by the Federal Reserve easing stimulus.

he Australian dollar is slightly higher as the currency consolidates following its losses made after the US Federal Reserve meeting.

The Australian share market has enjoyed a welcome lift after the US Federal Reserve decided to start winding back its stimulus program for the US economy.

National Australia Bank chairman Michael Chaney has defended the company's performance and strategy after facing shareholder criticism at its AGM.

Australia's long-run prosperity depends on federal government support for productive industries and more flexible workplaces rather than cheaper loans, the central bank says.

Australian shares are marginally weaker as uncertainty about the US Federal Reserve's stimulus decision hits banks and retailers.

The Australian stock market is higher as investors sit on the sidelines awaiting the outcome of the US Federal Reserve's final meeting of 2013.

The architect of the Gillard government's school funding reforms, David Gonski, will take over as chairman of ANZ next year.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is keeping an open mind on further interest rate cuts, but says monetary policy can't do all the heavy lifting in the economy.

US stocks Tuesday closed lower as investors awaited Wednesday's conclusion of a much-anticipated US Federal Reserve policy meeting.

The state’s peak business group has hired a former chief of staff to premier Colin Barnett as its new chief executive. Deidre Willmott will succeed James Pearson as CCI chief executive.

The Australian dollar has fallen below 89 US cents for the first time in four months as expectations about an upcoming US Federal Reserve announcement continue to weigh on the currency.

Twenty years after being established in controversial circumstances, insurance broking firm Strathearn is eyeing some big potential changes.

The Australian share market has finished slightly higher as defensive stocks performed well after the release of the government's budget update.

The Australian share market is making early gains led by the banks following jumps in stocks in the US and Europe overnight.

US stocks have jumped following a strong report on US industrial output that came a day before a much-anticipated US Federal Reserve policy meeting.

The Australian dollar is slightly lower, trading in a tight range, ahead of announcements from the Australian and US central banks.

The Australian share market has closed lower ahead of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting for 2013.

The Australian stock market has started the week lower amid a selloff in banking and resources stocks.

US stocks have spent most of 2013 on an upward tear but they spent most of last week in retreat.

The Australian dollar is higher, as it goes into stabilisation mode after falling 1.5 per cent last week.

The Australian share market has broken a six day losing streak as bargain hunters picked up the banking and mining stocks that had fallen in value the past week.

Australians are the most generous in the world when it comes to inheritance, leaving more than half a million dollars to their children.

Australian shares appear to be snapping a seven-day losing streak, led by the big banks.

US stocks have closed lower after a surprisingly good retail sales report boosted speculation that the US Federal Reserve could soon scale back its stimulus program.

The Australian dollar is at a three-and-a-half month low following strong US retail data and after the Reserve Bank of Australia governor said he wanted the dollar around 85 US cents.

Australian stocks have fallen for a sixth straight day with investors appearing to book profits after a good year and recent negative economic news.

ThinkSmart shares have shot up 39 per cent upon its announced agreement to sell its Australian and New Zealand businesses to financial services company FlexiGroup for $43 million to shift focus to its operations in the United Kingdom.

Australian stocks have defied a negative lead from Wall Street to start the local session slightly higher.