AAP

Outright home owners have welcomed the turnaround in the property market but the prospect of more rate rises has mortgage holders worried.

The local share market has climbed 0.3 per cent ahead of a crucial week of central bank meetings in Australia, the United States and Europe.

More than 40 organisations have signed a letter to the treasurer demanding more investment in social and affordable housing in the upcoming budget.

State and territory leaders have agreed on changes to health systems, the NDIS and other areas at the latest national cabinet meeting.

The ASX200 closed 0.2 per cent higher after a tech-led rally on Wall Street, in the market's first finish in the green since April 19.

The federal government is putting aside $3.4 billion to accelerate research in areas such as hypersonics, quantum technologies and drones.

The local share market has closed down 0.3 per cent in its fifth consecutive losing day as questions about banks and growth sour sentiment.

Cost-of-living rises might have turned a corner, but increasing prices are still wreaking havoc on Australian households and businesses.

The local share market has clawed back most of its early losses to finish down just 0.1 per cent on hopes that moderating inflation might keep rates on hold.

Business leaders are becoming less worried about hiring and keeping workers as some wiggle room starts to appear in the labour market.

Consumers are still down in the dumps although fresh inflation data is expected to point to easing cost-of-living pressures.

The Australian share market has finished down 0.1 per cent after another day of quiet trading, ahead of the Anzac Day public holiday on Tuesday.

A declassified version of a major defence review has recommended Australia shift its focus to long-range missiles and onshore ammunition manufacturing.

Western Australia will add 130 locally-built electric buses to its fleet and upgrade key depots, with help from the federal government.

The local bourse closed down 0.4 per cent for both the day and the week after days of quiet trading.

The oil and gas industry has pushed back on possible federal budget changes to tax settings that could see the industry pay more.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers will meet with leading investors, banks and climate advocates to secure stronger investments in clean energy projects.

The ASX200 has finished down just 0.04 per cent in a second day of quiet trading.

A major overhaul of the Reserve Bank will create a board for setting interest rates that's more accountable and holds fewer meetings.

The local share market has finished basically unchanged, with gains for mining companies balances by losses elsewhere.

US stocks have closed little changed as investors digested earnings results from several firms amid recession concerns.

The local share market has fallen 0.3 per cent, in just its third day of losses over the past 15 sessions.

Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres has used a speech at a business forum to outline the strengths of Australia's economic relationship with the Solomon Islands.

The turnaround in the property market, the strong jobs market and an interest rate pause has done little to lighten the load felt by consumers.

The ASX has finished up 0.3 per cent to close at its best level since February 16 after gaining ground for 10 out of the past 12 sessions.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has warned the upcoming federal budget will come at a time of some of the lowest global growth in decades.

US stocks have closed lower as investors digested earnings from three major banks and retail sales data.

Australian shares recovered from an early trading dip to close out the session higher for its third straight week of gains after posting a 0.2 per cent rise.

The Australian share market slipped further into the red following the release of ABS monthly employment data amid concerns about another interest rate hike.

The national unemployment rate has stayed put at 3.5 per cent while Western Australia recorded a modest uptick in the number of people in work.

The federal government says up to $300 billion of hydrogen projects are in the pipeline in Australia, claiming the country is poised to become a green energy superpower.

Australian stocks gained ground by the close on Wednesday despite a mixed session on Wall Street ahead of critical US inflation data.