AAP

Australian supermarkets have been given an F for fail on plastic waste reduction, with an audit detailing some disturbing practices.

The ASX200 climbed by 0.26 per cent to again hover just below 7,000, while BHP and Rio Tinto dropped on China's attempt to contain iron ore prices.

Westpac has ended its relationship with external auditor PwC as the under-fire firm continues to face setbacks after a leaking scandal.

As Australia works to stabilise Chinese ties, one expert predicts shaky ground in the future because of a perception Canberra is "hostage" to the US.

The ASX200 has finished down 0.3 per cent in its first losing day this month after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates for the first time in five meetings.

A WA government scheme to help businesses install electric vehicle chargers could allow more employees to power up during work hours and while the sun shines.

The ASX200 spent the day hovering above and below the 7,000 level, eventually finishing just under it, while the Australian dollar hit a three-month high.

Westpac made $7.2 billion in net profit after tax for 2022/23, up 26 per cent from the year before.

Contentious workplace laws should be split so employees with post-traumatic stress or facing domestic violence can be protected sooner, senators have urged.

The ASX200 has finished up 1.1 per cent and closed at a two-week high in its fourth straight day of gains.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is not holding out for further tariffs imposed by China to be dropped on Australian products immediately following the prime minister's visit to Beijing.

The ASX200 rose 0.9 per cent to close at a 13-day high after US Fed chairman Jerome Powell's dovish remarks.

Critical minerals, battery manufacturing, renewable hydrogen, and green metals have been flagged as net zero industry priorities by the federal treasurer.

The local share market has finished 0.85 per cent higher in its best performance in three weeks, as a Federal Reserve announcement on rate hikes looms.

An independent assessment of Australia's economy suggests interest rates will need to lift higher and governments will need to pitch in to bring inflation down.

The local share market finished October down 3.8 per cent, its third straight month of losses and worst monthly performance in more than a year.

Unions and major companies are going head to head over proposed labour hire laws, with the latter arguing higher pay rates will threaten business viability.

The mood among consumers has soured further, with many particularly worried about the health of their finances in the short term.

The local share market has closed 0.8 per cent lower amid fears the conflict in the oil-rich Middle East could spread to neighbouring countries.

Murray Watt says negotiations are continuing to lift tariffs imposed by China on Australian products, as the prime minister prepares to visit Beijing.

The local share market has closed slightly higher for the day, but finished the week down 1.1 per cent after hitting a one-year low on Thursday.

The local share market has finished at its lowest level in a year amid war in the Middle East, rising bond yields and expectations of more rate hikes.

Australian shares gave up their gains after a hotter-than-expected domestic inflation report dramatically increased the odds of another rate hike next month.

The prime minister has announced a $2 billion investment in the critical minerals industry as part of the government's plan to transition to renewable energy.

The ASX200 finished up 0.2 per cent as bond yields fell and Israel failed to launch its anticipated ground invasion of Gaza.

Marked down goods may be nudging more consumers to splash out even as household balance sheets remain under pressure.

The prime minister's visit to the United States has unlocked a $A5 billion deal with tech giant Microsoft to build a cyber shield and upskill Australians.

The ASX200 has fallen 0.8 per cent to its lowest level in 51 weeks as fighting worsens in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will discuss the AUKUS partnership with US lawmakers as part of his focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

The local share market lost 1.2 per cent on the day and 2.1 per cent for the week on rising US bond yields and broader fighting in the Middle East.

US stocks have dropped after Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said the economy's strength and tight labour markets could warrant further rate hikes.

The ASX200 has fallen below 7000, again putting the benchmark index in the red for the year, amid fears about the conflict in the Middle East.