Financial Services

The Australian dollar hit is highest level in almost two weeks after China said it would ease restrictions on investment and the value of its currency.

Australian shares have closed lower for a second straight day as investors sold banking stocks due to worries about US stocks being overpriced.

Australian shares are weaker as Wall Street volatility hits all local sectors.

The Dow edged higher to a fresh record after topping 16,000 for the first time, while the S&P 500 breached 1,800 but pulled back in late trade.

The Australian dollar is lower in cautious trade ahead of the release of the minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia's November board meeting.

Falls by financial stocks have kept the Australian share market in negative territory, despite positive offshore leads.

The Australian share market has surprised by opening lower amid uncertainty about the largest sweeping reforms in China in more than three decades.

US stocks enjoyed another sunny week highlighted by congressional testimony by Federal Reserve chief nominee Janet Yellen that raised confidence that aggressive monetary stimulus would not end too soon.

The Australian dollar has benefited from disappointing American manufacturing data coinciding with US Federal Reserve nominee Janet Yellen's comments in favour of continuing stimulus measures.

The Australian market ended the week with solid gains as investors welcomed the incoming US Federal Reserve chair's comments about maintaining economic stimulus.

The stock market has opened flat, as weakness in banking stocks overshadows a positive lead from overseas.

US stocks have barrelled to fresh records, shrugging off some disappointing earnings results amid greater confidence the Federal Reserve will wait longer before scaling back an aggressive stimulus program.

Gold futures have risen as some traders bet that testimony from Federal Reserve chair nominee Janet Yellen signals higher demand for the metal.

The Australian dollar is lower, consolidating after a rally on the back of Federal Reserve chair nominee Janet Yellen's testimony to a US Senate committee.

The share market has closed higher due to indications economic stimulus in the US is likely to run into next year.

The share market has opened strongly on comments by the US Federal Reserve suggesting tapering of its stimulus program won't occur until next year.

US stocks have pushed to fresh all-time highs after a strong earnings report from Macy's raised hopes about the upcoming holiday shopping season.

The Australian dollar has bounced on stronger consumer confidence figures and US dollar selling.

The Australian dollar will hover between US90 cents and $US1.10 over the next five years, leading economist Stephen Koukoulas told a Perth audience this morning.

The share market has posted a significant fall as investors took profits and consider the possibility of the United States reducing its economic stimulus program soon.

Australian stocks have started the session lower following a weak lead from global markets.

US stocks have closed mostly lower amid renewed speculation about the Federal Reserve's intentions to reduce its massive monetary stimulus.

The Australian dollar is lower amid fears that tapering of US economic stimulus could begin soon.

Auditors for the state's biggest corporate superannuation fund have reportedly uncovered fraudulent activity by a past employee.

Australian shares have edged higher as gains by mining and chemical companies offset more falls by the major banks.

The Australian stock market has opened higher, offsetting losses from the previous session.

Rupert Murdoch's newspaper publishing business News Corporation has reported a net profit of $US38 million ($A40.60 million) for the first quarter.

US stocks have ended modestly higher as investors appeared to take a breather in a semi-holiday session after Friday's strong rally on the back of encouraging jobs data.

A surprisingly strong US jobs report continues to weigh on the Australian dollar in the absence of any other significant economic data.

The Australian share market has closed lower as investors put aside a positive lead from US markets and took a breather from a strong run upwards in recent months.

The Australian stock market has opened higher after stronger than expected US jobs figures lifted investor sentiment on Wall Street.

Gold futures have fallen to their lowest level in three weeks after a surprisingly strong US labour-market reading re-animated fears the Federal Reserve would soon curtail its bond purchases.