Lawrence Villamar

The Australian dollar lost some solid ground against its US Counterpart in overnight trade with a sense of normality returning to markets following the Easter Long weekend.

China's trade balance swung back into positive territory in March as the country's import growth slowed from a 13-month peak and exports grew faster than expected.

Greece's cash-strapped government may consider renting out police officers and equipment - including patrol boats and helicopters - to private citizens and businesses.

U.S. stocks started the week with a sharp loss after Friday's worse-than-expected jobs data cast doubt on the pace of the labor market's recovery.

In Australia, the NAB business survey and ANZ job ads survey are released. In China, March trade data is released. In the US, data on wholesale sales is released together with weekly chain store sales data. Alcoa kicks off the earnings season, releasing results after the bell on Tuesday.

In a fairly uneventful past 4 days the majority of local markets have remained closed given the Easter long weekend.

The social security numbers of 25, 098 individuals were allegedly compromised after a data breach at the Utah Department of Technology Services.

Germany's competition watchdog to launch pricing inquiry against petrol giants.

Acting on a ban by the European Commission, the United Kingdom has issued a moratorium against the technique of stripping meat from animal bones, raising concerns over the future of cheap patties and burgers.

The Australian dollar fell against its US Counterpart yesterday after the Nations Trade Balance unexpectedly posted a $480m deficit in February.

The Australian dollar fell against its US Counterpart yesterday after the Nations Trade Balance unexpectedly posted a $480m deficit in February.

Stocks fell after details from the Federal Reserve's most recent policy meeting offered no signals that immediate monetary stimulus is on the way, prompting investors to question whether the rally can continue without a prime driver.

In an eventful day of trading yesterday Australia’s Central Bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25 percent whilst Australian Retail Sales also matched the majority of forecast advancing 0.2 percent for the month of February.

Can plants talk? A new research found that plants “make clicking noises to communicate” with other plants, aside from reacting to sounds.

A new study says drinking soft drinks or “fizzy drinks” increases the chance of heart disease and high blood pressure among children later in their life.

In a frantic start to the week The Australian dollar rallied upon opening yesterday after data over the weekend showed manufacturing PMI figures out of China comfortably beat expectation.

China is slowing gaining a foothold into the US and Canada oil and natural gas industry

State-owned Chinese oil company PetroChina announced this Thursday that it pumped 2.4 million barrels of oil per day last year - overtaking Exxon Mobil's 2.3 million bpd to be the world's largest publicly traded producer of oil.

The Australian dollar continued its recent slide for much Friday’s session trading as a low as 1.0341 against its US Counterpart.

The Australian dollar dropped against most its 16 major counterparties yesterday after Treasurer Wayne Swan said that in order for the government to meet its budget surplus pledge, further spending cuts will be required.

In Australia, population data is released together with job vacancies and the Financial Accounts. In the US, weekly jobless claims data is released together with revised GDP figures.

U.S. stocks were dragged lower as commodities tumbled and investors considered disappointing U.S. and European economic data and weakness in overseas markets.

The Australian Dollar opens noticeably lower on Thursday against its US counterpart at 1.0391.

In Australia, the Reserve Bank releases the Financial Stability Review. In the US, data on durable goods orders is released.

The Australian dollar remained flat yesterday with the higher-yielding currency stopping to take a breath for much of the domestic session.

U.S. stocks surged Monday, largely erasing last week's losses, after a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled the central bank is committed to a monetary policy that's helped buoy stocks for three years.

In Australia, no major economic data is scheduled. In the US, data on home prices and the Richmond Fed index are released.

Following a relatively flat start to the day in which the Australian dollar traded within a tight intraday range, the Aussie came to life as US and European markets opened pushing past the 1.05 handle against its US Counterpart for the first time in 5 days.

Nicki Minaj, a singer well-known for her candy-colored wardrobe, will invade Australia with her first ever concert tour in the country this May.