Financial Services

US stocks have declined again after surprisingly good US economic growth in the third quarter raised expectations the Federal Reserve will hasten a plan to scale back aggressive monetary stimulus.

The Australian dollar is firmer as traders take a sceptical view of the fastest US economic growth pace in almost two years.

The Australian share market fell heavily in afternoon trade after starting the day flat.

The Australian sharemarket has opened slightly lower with overnight falls in overseas markets offset by strong commodity prices.

US stocks have ended mostly lower after markets weighed a stream of generally solid economic data ahead of Friday's big jobs report.

The Australian dollar has fallen as low 90 US cents for the first time in three months following a surprisingly strong US private employment report.

The market capitalisation of Western Australia's top 100 listed companies has fallen on the back of lower commodity prices, marking an end to four months of consecutive gains.

The Australian sharemarket has finished higher, bringing three days of losses to an end as the big miners fired on all cylinders.

Having studied investment cycles over seven decades, Peter Kennedy has identified some extraordinary patterns, and they give him great confidence about the stockmarket outlook.

A lacklustre stockmarket debut by Dick Smith Holdings has drawn unfavourable comparisons with fellow retailer Myer's poor listing four years ago.

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

US stocks have fallen for a second day in a row as speculation increased that the US Federal Reserve will soon scale back its bond-buying program.

The Australian dollar has moved above 91 US cents as traders take profits on the greenback and prepare for key American employment data.

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.