Sharon Olalia

The US Philadelphia Fed index rose from -0.7 to 1 in September. Despite still being weak sub indices including new orders, shipments and employment all improved.

Growth and inflation figures released from China supported their move to increase interest rates earlier this week. Chinese GDP expanded 9.6% for the previous quarter, exceeding expectations, while inflation accelerated at its fastest pace in 23mths at a rate of 3.6%.

A decline in new business registrations sent the number of actively trading businesses in Australia 1 per cent lower in 2008/09, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The Australian share market closed flat on Thursday as stronger resource stocks offset weakness in the financials sector.

Australian shares closed mixed today, as losses from the banks offset strong momentum seen in early trade off the back of a positive offshore lead.

Leighton Holdings Ltd (ASX: LEI) said the competition watchdog has decided not to grant the relief sought by the company's German parent Hochtief.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard is urging the Opposition to not delay the Telecommunications Legislation Amendment Bill 2010, or Competition and Safeguards Bill, introduced to Parliament yesterday, warning that "every day of delay for these reforms is a day of higher prices and less choices."

Interest rate limits are welcome, but more reforms are needed for Australian banks, according to the Finance Sector Union.

Opposition shadow treasurer Joe Hockey on Thursday demanded Treasurer Wayne Swan to compel Australian banks to follow the adjustments put forward by the Reserve Bank, but lenders are calling the Coalition's interest rate policy dangerous.

Australian consumers are looking to reduce their lifestyles through simpler living amid pressures of heavy debts, new research shows.

Reports early this month said the big four will give the Reserve Bank of Australia until next month to raise rates or they will go it alone, but a national accounting firm warned lenders that increase interest rates above RBA levels should have their market dominance reviewed by the Federal Government.

A study shows many people living in Australia's most vulnerable coastal communities do not think they are at serious risk, despite forecasts of a 1.1 metre sea level rise by the end of this century.

While the AUD took a breather yesterday, worn out after its assault on parity over the last few weeks, the break was not for long.

U.S. stocks extended their broad based rally Wednesday, as a positive outlook from the financial sector and a spate of strong earnings from airlines helped investors move past the previous day's bruising losses.

The US Federal Reserve Beige Book has reported sluggish economic conditions in late September/early October.

The Australian Dollar rose for the first time in 2 days after its drop to the lowest level in 2 weeks.

The Australian share market closed weaker on Wednesday as local equities followed a weak lead from Wall Street

Coalition's lack of commitment to superannuation reform was stoking uncertainty for Australian workers saving for their retirement, the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) said today.

Job opportunities for Australians seeking employment within the resource sector are hitting new highs as the industry recovers from the global financial crisis, according to new research.

Toyota Australia is set to ship its 500,000th vehicle to Saudi Arabia tomorrow, the company announced on Wednesday.

The Australian Dollar has opened two US cents lower after China's decision to raise interest rates for the first time in three years.

U.S. stocks broadly fell Tuesday after a report that Pacific Investment Management Co., BlackRock and Federal Reserve Bank of New York are attempting to force Bank of America to repurchase soured mortgages packaged by Countrywide Financial Group.

The People´s Bank of China has increased interest rates for the first time since December 2007. Both the benchmark lending rate and 1-year deposit rate were lifted by 25 basis points.

The Australian Dollar peaked at 0.9955 versus the US Dollar as traders speculated a further hike in interest rates sometime this year following the release of the Reserve Bank's minutes.

The Australian share market closed flat on Tuesday as investors await major economic data due later in the week.

Local stocks closed flat today, with earlier wins being erased as the Dow Futures suggested a weak session on Wall Street. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) rose 3.9pts or 0.1pct by the day's close to 4727.3.

The Australian share market has rebounded from yesterday's sell-off, thanks to a positive lead from Wall Street and generally firmer commodity prices.

The latest Bankwest/Mortgage and Finance Association Home Finance (MFAA) Home Finance Index has showed a record number of first time buyers are looking to their families to help raise a deposit for their home.

Strong demand for resources-based construction and major infrastructure projects is expected to drive an upturn in the construction sector over the course of 2010/11 and 2011/12.