Latest Headlines

Macmahon Holdings has rejected the latest takeover offer from Indian-owned firm Sembawang Australia, saying it was incapable of being practically implemented.

The Australian market has opened slightly lower as investors remain cautious ahead of Italy's general election.

Shares in Transfield Services have dived by more than six per cent after it warned it would have to make up to $285 million in asset writedowns.

Ports and rail operator Asciano has increased its first half profit by 74 per cent and forecast more earnings growth in the second half of the financial year.

Steel and mining group Arrium has fallen further into the red as the high Australian dollar and weak construction markets cause a massive writedown on its assets.

Shares in engineering construction firm Monadelphous have tumbled despite the group posting a record first half profit.

The Australian Greens will push for another inquiry into the mining tax to try to work out why the big resource giants aren't paying as much as expected.

Gold has moved lower, with volumes easing as US markets closed for the President's Day holiday, while a lower euro and flat European shares also hurt investor interest.

Drilling fluids and services firm Imdex has reported a 27 per cent drop in half year net profit, a result it says reflects challenging market conditions in the minerals sector.

The Australian dollar is more than half a US cent lower after a meeting of G20 finance ministers helped fuel a continued sell-off in the Japanese yen.

Struggling vanadium miner Atlantic has 45 business days to replenish an interest reserve account or reach agreement to reduce its minimum holding, after it breached a covenant on its $US335 million

Mark McGowan has committed to expand Henderson's Australian Marine Complex into one of the nation's largest technology parks if Labor is successful in next month's state election.

Car parts retailer and logistics group Automotive Holdings has lifted its first half profit by a quarter and predicted a solid finish to the financial year.

The Australian share market has closed higher, led by the major banks.

Western Australia's financial ratings outlook remains negative, because of the boom state's mounting debt, as it spends big on infrastructure for a growing population and resources sector.

Engineering and construction group Clough is tipping a bumper year ahead after announcing a 139 per cent increase in net profit for the half year to December 31.

Australian small businesses face tough conditions and finished 2012 on a pessimistic note despite a series of interest rate cuts.

Engineering, mining services and construction outfit Forge Group has exceeded its own expectations by delivering a 60 per cent increase in half-year net profit.

Union boss Paul Howes says Australia does not have a carbon tax - it has a fixed price on carbon.

Builder and developer Lend Lease has increased its first half profit by 39 per cent.

Private health insurer nib says its first half net profit has dropped, due to higher than forecast claims costs.

Clothing retailer Pacific Brands has returned to profitability, but says sales are weak and will remain so in the coming months.

The number of bureaucrats in Australia has dropped for the first time in more than a decade, a new analysis of jobs data shows.

Drilling company Boart Longyear has appointed Richard O'Brien, the outgoing boss of gold producer Newmont Mining, as its new chief executive.

The Australian share market is firmer as local earnings results overshadow a weaker finish on US markets.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank says interest rates on deposit accounts may be about to fall as other sources of funds become cheaper and more accessible for banks.

The Australian dollar is more than half a US cent lower after falls in gold prices and US stocks on Friday.

One of the problems with labour productivity is that a fair proportion of the population just doesn't seem to understand what it is.

The Australian dollar continued its move higher after a rally in the yen helped push the US dollar lower.

Australian shares have closed flat, with the benchmark index holding above 5,000 points for a third day.

West Australian Labor has shifted its election campaign focus to the state's urban planning system, promising to ease bottlenecks and advance progress at stalled local developments.