AAP

The trade minister says an improvement in the trade relationship with Beijing is welcome as the first coal shipment in years awaits Chinese customs clearance.

The ASX200 has finished up 0.35 per cent after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell struck a moderate tone in a question-and-answer session in Washington.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers says while the recent interest rate hike would slow the economy, forecasts show Australia would not go into a recession.

The Australian share market has fallen 0.5 per cent, notching its worst loss in a month after the RBA indicated it would keep hiking rates.

As the Reserve Bank board prepares to announce an expected 25 basis point rise in the cash rate, figures show Australian trade surplus slipping.

A Liberal-Nationals decision to oppose Labor's National Reconstruction Fund has been described as being "out of touch'' with the needs of the country.

The ASX has fallen 0.25 per cent after a better-than-expected US jobs report and ahead of the Reserve Bank's latest decision on rate hikes.

The world's biggest goldminer, NYSE-listed Newmont Corp, has proposed buying Australia's largest producer in an all-scrip offer at a 21 per cent premium.

The latest retail figures show Australians are tightening their spending, falling 0.2 per cent in the December quarter.

The local bourse has finished the day up 0.6 per cent in its best performance in almost three weeks, closing at its highest level since April 21.

Stormy economic conditions have slowed hiring but some industries, especially those reliant on in-person attendance, are still recruiting.

Australia's foreign and defence ministers have met in London ahead of Defence Minister Richard Marles flying to the United States to meet his counterpart.

The Australian share market rose after the US Fed chief hinted that an end to the tightening cycle was in sight, but the bourse's gains ebbed late in the day.

Anthony Albanese wants federal, state and territory healthcare systems to work together better but faces calls from leaders to increase Commonwealth spending.

Australia's economy is tracking toward a soft landing but the International Monetary Fund envisions more cash rate increases in 2023.

The local bourse has closed up 0.3 per cent, with the benchmark ASX200 index finishing at more than 7,500 for the first time since April 22.

Australia and China's trade ministers are preparing for a virtual meeting as Canberra continues to pressure Beijing into dropping trade sanctions.

The voluntary administrators to Sun Cable say the sale process has commenced for the $30 billion solar project, with binding proposals due by the end of April.

The local share market has finished slightly in the red for a second day in a row after a choppy session, as some traders likely took profits after a stupendous start to the year.

The government's climate policy is being pincered by the opposition and the Greens, forcing Labor into a battle on two flanks.

The outlook for the global economy has improved marginally, with inflation likely past its peak and trending down over 2023 and 2024.

The local share market fell 0.2 per cent, with traders possibly taking profits ahead of a week dominated by more global rate hike decisions.

Rio Tinto has announced an investigation into how a tiny, toxically radioactive capsule went missing on the journey from a WA desert mine site to Perth.

The local share market added 0.3 per cent on Friday, as investors adjust to the likelihood of higher interest rates.

The Australian share market has ended lower while the dollar gained after a surprise lift in fourth-quarter inflation.

The local share market was lifted by mining and technology shares a day ahead of official data on December quarter inflation.

Momentum is starting to slow down in the economy as the post-COVID rebound starts to fade.

More women are taking top roles at Australia's economic and financial institutions but they are still under-represented in leadership.

Sentiment in the local share market remained cautious ahead of inflation data as the benchmark index settled after hitting a fresh nine-month high.

The prime minister won't confirm if Australia has signed a significant weapons contract but says the May budget will include national security funding.

Deloitte Access Economics warns Australia could fall into a recession if the central bank lifts interest rates again, with households already hurting.

The local share market has finished 0.2 per cent higher in a choppy session that puts it at a fresh nine-month high, up 5.87 per cent so far this year.