BUSINESS

The Australian Dollar has slipped back below USD 0.8500, being driven by a strengthening US Dollar, concerns over Australia's economy and uncertainty about the Reserve Bank's next move.

2015 is gearing up to be the stress test of the Australian economy for the millennium.

The Airline of the Year for 2015 has been given to Air New Zealand.

Australian cities may be one of the top places to live or raise a family, but when it comes to being a vacation spot, only one Australia place was included in a bucket list made by Flight Center.

In US economic data, chain store sales fell by 0.6% in the latest week but the annual growth rate of sales rose from 4.2% to 4.8%. Construction spending rose 1.1% in October, ahead of expectations for a 0.6% gain. And the ISM New York index rose from 657.2 to 663.4 in November.

Thanks to quick thinking and adept skills, a Norwegian aircraft pilot was able to dodge a Russian fighter jet when it suddenly zoomed in its path from out of nowhere.

The economists were right again. As they predicted, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept on Tuesday for the 16th straight month the overnight cash rate at the record low 2.5 percent.

Australian shares are being led higher by the mining and energy sectors with the ASX 200 Index rising by 0.7 per cent. Despite today's rise, the local market had its worst day since 10 October yesterday, hit a 1.5 month low in the process and slumped by 3.5 per over two sessions.

The viral “I Hate Thailand” video turns out to be a part of Thailand's tourism campaign.

Intel bought the Canadian start-up for an undisclosed amount.

The focus turns to the RBA. Rates are expected to remain unchanged, but the statement is likely to be AUD dovish.

First impressions always matter when it comes to job interviews.

Here's how to convince your boss you deserve a raise.

Tough time to be a commodities trader; overnight trade saw silver moved through a 15% range, gold moved through a 6% range, Brent crude near enough to 7% while copper moved through a 4% range. A look at the commodities boards suggested Christmas festivities had come early, as each moved from negative to positive and vice-versa.

Deustche Bahn, the German state-owned railway, filed a new lawsuit in Germany and the U.S. seeking over $3 billion in damage from 13 air cargo companies for price fixing. Included in the lawsuit is Australian flag carrier Qantas which has paid over $160 million for increasing the price of freight via fuel and security surcharges between 2000 and 2006.

In US economic data, the ISM manufacturing index eased from 59.0 to 58.7 in November, above forecasts for a result near 57.8.

Australia's "mediocre" performance in the area of science and innovation has raised concerns as it may affect the economy.

Other Cyber Monday 2014 discounts for online shoppers include the CK Men’s basic watch and the Oakley CUSTOM M2 sunglasses.

Pope Francis prayed inside a Muslim mosque while in a visit to Turkey.

A new month and a new week has started the same way the last month ended, with sellers in control. The ASX started the session with a 5 point loss before trading to the low point of the morning where the index chalked up a deficit of almost 47 points. Over the course of the morning there was little evidence that buyers saw value at the newly discounted levels which had taking the market to the lowest levels in around 6 weeks.

The new law which bans real estate price guides in Queensland will take effect from Dec. 1, 2014.

Black Friday 2014 offers many exciting Apple deals but there is one that truly stands out.

Apple Inc (AAPL) stock is expected to reach as much as $150 per share due to strong iPhone sales and optimistic forecasts on the company's upcoming Apple Watch.

It would be a happy yearend for Australian retailers with the ka-ching of cash registers expected to ring more often for the last month of 2014. Comparison Web site finder.com.au estimates that Aussies will spend $8.3 billion for Christmas presents shopping alone.

The Australian Dollar has opened this week's trading below the 85 cent level as commodity currencies remain under pressure.

US investors came back to from Thanksgiving on Friday and gave oil a mauling on the back of OPEC nations' inaction on Thursday.

In European economic data, German retail sales rose by 1.9% in real terms in October, above forecasts for a 1.7% gain and compares with the 2.8% fall in September sales.

Qantas and joint venture partner Japan Airlines will be injecting A$114 million ($97 million) into Jetstar Japan.

Canada has called on health-care volunteers to join the fight against Ebola in west Africa.