Financial Services

The Australian share market closed lower for the third straight day, led down by the major miners and banks.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept the cash rate at 2.5 per cent, saying the global and local economic outlook is improving.

The Australian stockmarket is flat following a weak lead from Wall Street and ahead of the Reserve Bank's monthly interest rate decision.

US stocks have taken a breather from the bull market of 2013, pushing lower as some analysts cited profit-taking and speculation of tighter monetary policy.

The Australian dollar has shed more than half a US cent after the strongest American factory activity data in more than two years stirred US stimulus tapering expectations.

The Australian share market has closed at a six-week low, with better-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data unable to inspire investors.

Local councils, church groups and charities around Australia have reached a conditional settlement of their claim for roughly $180 million in damages lost on investments sold to them by Lehman Brothers Australia.

Australian stocks have started the week on a flat note, despite mining stocks receiving a boost from positive Chinese economic data.

From Saturday, November 30:

The Australian dollar is starting the week higher ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) last interest rate meeting for 2013.

The share market has closed slightly lower on a day marked by a sharp fall in GrainCorp shares after the federal government blocked a foreign takeover.

The Australian share market has opened flat.

European banks will require 280 billion euros ($A421 billion) of extra capital in 2014 to meet reforms aimed at avoiding a repeat of the global financial crisis, according to a report.

The Australian dollar has slipped a little lower after rallying on the back of some surprisingly good business investment data.

Todd Michael King, a former Perth-based financial adviser has been ordered to stand trial for more than $3.7 million worth of fraud and stealing offences.

The Australian sharemarket has finished flat ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States.

Australian stocks have opened higher following a solid night on global equity markets.

US stocks have risen to new records following a stream of mixed economic data on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Australian dollar has fallen to a fresh three-month low as declining commodity prices and a rally in the US dollar puts the currency under pressure.

The Australian share market has lost ground as commodity price weakness led to losses among the big miners.

Australian stocks have opened virtually flat amid weakness in resources stocks and moderate gains for the big four banks.

The Australian dollar has recovered some ground after falling to a fresh three-month low amid increasing expectations of an interest rate cut in early 2014 and profit-taking.

US stocks have ticked slightly higher, but the Nasdaq has surged past the 4,000 mark for the first time in 13 years.

The Australian sharemarket has closed higher for the third straight day, driven by gains among the big banks.

The Australian stock market has opened higher following a soft lead from the US overnight.

US stocks have closed little changed as investors weigh a weak US housing market report and a breakthrough deal between Iran and major powers over its controversial nuclear program.

The Australian dollar is higher as traders go bargain hunting, taking advantage of the currency's low value, after its big fall in recent days.

Australian shares have gained thanks to continued positive momentum on Wall Street.

The Australian stock market has opened higher after Wall Street again rallied to record highs.

US stocks have continued to power to new peaks with the S&P 500 closing above 1,800 for the first time and the Dow recording a fresh record.

The Australian dollar is still below 92 US cents as expectations the US Federal Reserve will taper its economic stimulus program weighs on the currency.

Bob Browning has embraced the challenge of revitalising financial services firm Emerchants.