Sharon Olalia

The auction clearance rate in Sydney nosedived at the weekend with just 49 per cent of properties selling, the poorest record in 18 months.

Australia's second-largest airline Virgin Blue has postponed its relaunch until early next year as it seeks to resolve a long-running dispute with largest shareholder, Richard Branson, over its plans to own the Virgin name.

Jetset Travelworld has not been able to meet a self-inflicted deadline to justify to shareholders why they should approve a $440 million merger with Stella, Australia's largest travel retailer.

Australian paints, adhesives and garden care products firm DuluxGroup Ltd sees Asia as a key growth area for the company.

Mining tycoon Clive Palmer has unveiled plans to build a new coal loading port facility north of the existing facility at Abbott Point in north Queensland.

Australia's biggest liquor maker Foster's Group Ltd is expected to continue selling its wine unit even as it has returned to growth after more than a year of decline.

Orica Ltd, the world's largest industrial explosives maker, says the demerger of its DuluxGroup paint and garden products business in Australia is worth the millions in transaction fees.

Russell Brand was so overcome with emotion during his proposal to Katy Perry that he found it difficult to talk.

The 16-year-old pop star, Justin Bieber has promised to continue treating women with respect and has hinted he plans to remain a virgin until he meets the perfect girl for him, according to his mother Pattie Mallette.

Kristen Stewart, who is rumoured to be dating her Twilight costar Robert Pattinson, says she does not dream about having a white wedding like most girls her age.

Beyonce Knowles escaped serious injury when her car crashed in London.

Lindsay Lohan is to be randomly tested for alcohol and drugs until August 2011.

Zac Efron is planning to pop the question to longtime girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens, according to reports.

A shortage of skilled employees could impede Australia's economic growth, a new report says.

Rio Tinto is looking to ramp up projects again after the Gillard government's switch from the resource super-profits tax (RSPT) to the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).

Healthcare and industrial products maker Ansell Ltd has created four global business units as a result of its company-wide review, and consequent efforts to grow through acquisitions.

BHP Billiton Ltd has declined to reveal the total effective tax it will pay under the Gillard government's mineral resource rent tax, according to The Australian.

Santos Ltd is near to signing a $2 billion contract with Royal Dutch Shell involving the sale of a stake in its coal seam gas-to-liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Tiger Airways' ambition to increase activity in Australia is set to put pressure on budget carrier Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd's market share.

Foxtel has dropped its plan to offer exclusive content to Telstra broadband subscribers.

The fight for the small business vote has started in earnest, with Liberal Party leader Tony Abbott pledging a minister for small business in the federal cabinet and the introduction of an ombudsman if duly elected.

Shares in Australian building materials group Boral slumped 9.6 per cent, from $4.89 to $4.40, yesterday after the completion of the $274 million institutional part of its $490 million rights issue.

Michael Douglas, who reprises his role as Gordon Gecko in 'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' later this year, says he will never live up to the greatness of Kirk Douglas.

Jessica Simpson thinks Katy Perry can help relaunch her on to the music scene, according to insiders.

In Da Club hitmaker 50 Cent called P. Diddy an "ugly bitch" during a radio interview.

Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo paid almost $20m to the mother of his child just so she would keep her mouth shut, according to reports.

Paris Hilton partied with Leonardo DiCaprio after her South Africa drug bust drama the past weekend, according to New York Post.

Ringo Starr had made it to another landmark as he turned 70 yesterday, July 7.

Already at a strong start, the Australian share market rallied further after the release of surprisingly better employment data.