The Australian share market has snapped a four day losing streak after easing investor concerns about China's debt-laden property sector prompted a jump in local mining stocks.
ASX-listed companies have detailed roughly $2 billion in JobKeeper payments spanning the last two financial years, with only a handful making voluntary repayments.
Fortescue Metals shares had their biggest gain of the year but the Australian market slumped on concerns of how US authorities will respond to the biggest rise in inflation in 31 years.
The state opposition and sections of the business community have criticised the state government’s “skeleton” of a COVID-19 transition plan, with Western Australia still without a date for the reopening of borders.
Australian share market investors had their biggest day of buying in more than four weeks before the US Federal Reserve prepares to wind back economic stimulus.
Westpac has unveiled a $3.5 billion share buyback after posting a surge in annual earnings on the back of a strong home loans market and lower provisions.