Sharon Olalia

The number of bank branches has grown for the ninth consecutive year, according to a survey released on Wednesday by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

Consumer confidence is putting a damper on retailers' Christmas spirits, according to an industry body.

Australia death rates are the lowest on record and life expectancy continues to increase, according to the latest report released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Air New Zealand (NZE: AIR) said on Wednesday that charges that it was part of price fixing in air cargo services had been dropped by the European Commission.

The Australian Dollar is slightly lower this morning, trading just above parity against the US Dollar as we head towards the G20 leader's summit in Seoul this week.

U.S. stocks declined slightly Tuesday while commodities rallied as inflation fears increased as investors continued to digest the Federal Reserve's stimulus plans.

Volatility continues across currency markets and the Aussie is caught up in the maelstrom with a US2-cent range over the last 24 hours and a low just beneath parity.

US wholesale inventories rose by 1.5pct in September ahead of expectations for a 0.7pct rise.

The Australian sharemarket has pulled back for the second day this week with the energy sector by far the market's biggest drag.

A professional association for real estate agents in Victoria is calling on politicians to address housing affordability in the state as data show the number of first home buyer numbers has fallen sharply as a result of rising property prices, shortage of stock and higher state government taxes.

Oil and gas producer AWE Ltd (ASX: AWE) has identified a potential gas resource at its Perth Basin Shale Gas play.

Bankers today called on the Federal Coalition to base criticisms on facts, not false and misleading statements.

Business conditions slumped to their lowest in October, following a significant slowdown in activity in the construction and retail sector.

Australian stocks are giving back a little today, after profit takers moved in on Wall Street overnight, sending the Dow Jones Index off two year highs.

Australia Pacific LNG Pty Limited today said it has received state environmental approval for its coal seam gas (CSG) to liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Australia's housing sector is providing the basis for robust demand for structural wood products in Australia, according to new research.

The National Union of Workers (NUW) is joining the chorus of South Australians rallying today against the Rann Government.

The AUD has opened relatively unchanged this morning after a fairly non-eventful night.

U.S. stocks slipped Monday as returning concerns over European sovereign debt added to worries about the effects of the Federal Reserve's recent actions.

A brief US Dollar rally saw the Aussie lose ground during onshore trade yesterday with a minor increase in October Job Advertisements failing to provide any support.

Russia has echoed China's comments ahead of the G20 summit, saying the US should consult other countries before pumping cash into its economy.

Australian borrowers are taking flight to refinancing and lowest possible rates as the polical debate on banking competition intensifies.

ING Direct Australia, one of the country's largest retail bank, says it will offer $1000 cash to any customer who switches their mortgage to ING Direct and opens an Orange Everyday transaction account before June next year.

The Australian sharemarket mirrored the U.S markets today after finishing relatively unchanged for the first day of the week. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) closed down by 0.4pct or 17.6pts to 4855.3.

The Australian share market has lost ground as investors cashed in on recent gains in the resources, financial and property sectors.

McDonald's Australia today said it has partnered with Visa to bring consumers an even faster way to pay for their meals.

Australian stocks are flat in early trade, but significantly managing to hold on to six month highs reached during Friday's trade.

Orica (ASX: ORI), the world's top maker of explosives for mines today announced a net profit after tax and individually material items of $1,319 million for the full year ended 30 September 2010, up $777 million on the previous year.

Paint, adhesives and garden care products supplier DuluxGroup Ltd (ASX:DLX) today posted $61.289 million net profit for the its first year as a standalone entity in fiscal 2010 and said it expects profit to grow further.