AAP

Shares in Rio Tinto-owned Energy Resources of Australia slumped almost six per cent as the uranium miner posted a first half loss after suspending operations at its Ranger Mine on above average rai

The Australian share market remained cautious at open today, after Wall Street finished slightly higher in overnight trade despite further disappointing data.

US stocks closed higher on Wednesday, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended an eight-day losing streak and markets regained some ground lost in Tuesday's brutal sell-off.

Recession fears, debt spook world markets – The West; Forrest speaks up for juniors – The Fin; Verve makes $240m on back of surging prices – The West; Atlas continues talks with BHP over rail access in the Pilbara – The Aus; Demand soaking up city's office space – The West

Australia's big four banks have received competition regulator approval to invest in a new credit reporting agency, Experian Australia Credit Services.

The removal of a John Travolta safety video from Qantas flights has fuelled union fears CEO Alan Joyce will announce a major restructure, including outsourcing pilots' jobs.

Geraldton will be one of the first five regional areas in Australia to get access to the National Broadband Network (NBN) via high-speed fixed wireless, the federal government has announced.

Fortescue Metals Group insists it has all the approvals needed to proceed with its Solomon iron ore project, but Aboriginal landowners are questioning the validity of its mining leases.

Activity in the services sector was falling at a slightly slower rate in July, as the outlook for interest rates and the global economy remains uncertain, a private sector survey shows.

Australia is lagging behind other developed countries in harnessing the internet for business and needs to catch up, the federal government says.

Australia continues to post strong trade surpluses, but it may mean the central bank will have to raise the cash rate, economists say.

Western Australian gold miner Ramelius Resources has forecast a more than four fold rise in full year gross profit on the back of soaring production and gold prices.

Retailers say a structural shift in consumers' savings habits and weak department store sales are weighing on their struggling sector.

The state Mines Department will investigate allegations that safety is being compromised at the Frog's Leg gold mine near Kalgoorlie.

Downer EDI is reviewing its general consultancy practices in Asia, Australia and New Zealand perhaps leading to divesting the businesses.

Federal court proceeding involving grounded airline Tiger Airways have been adjourned for a third time.

Focus Minerals is set to assume majority control of Crescent Gold to create a mid-tier gold miner after major shareholder Deutsche Bank backed the deal.

Australian shares opened almost two per cent lower following a horror session on Wall Street, amid fears that the US may be slipping back into recession.

The Australian dollar was over one US cent lower this morning after the central bank kept the cash rates on hold on Tuesday and the release of weak US economic data overnight.

IMF warns rates will have to rise – The Aus; Gold miners put price on carbon tax – The West; Coles bulks up for liquor war – The Aus; WA to get NBN by end of year – The West; HIA warns of skills shortage – The West

A cashed-up Rio Tinto is expected to post a first half net profit of more than $US8 billion ($A7.3 billion), driven by bumper iron ore, aluminium and copper prices.

The prime minister's office made negotiations over a national hospitals plan "extremely difficult", but changes forced by the states finally closed the deal, Health Minister Kim Hames says.

International students are flocking to Canada at the expense of Australia due to uncertainty over visa rules and not because of the high Australian dollar, according to a major education company.

AngloGold Ashanti has flagged a fall in full year gold production at its Sunrise Dam mine near Laverton after heavy rain in February flooded the underground operation, triggering a wall collapse.

Australian shares closed lower as the Congressional deal to resolve US debt issues failed to allay investor concerns about the faltering American economy.

Australia's third-largest mobile operator Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) says it has lost 375,000 customers so far this year, as users sought alternatives in response to network and customer se

Rural Bank customers will have better access to their money and Australia Post will get a new source of revenue through a deal to provide deposits and loans at regional post offices.

Federal Trade Minister Craig Emerson will lead the biggest-ever business delegation to China this week to promote Australian service exports.

Three women have been arrested and charged with obstructing police during a protest near a proposed $30 billion gas hub site in the Kimberley.

Australia's third-largest nickel miner, Western Areas, says production is so strong that it will complete its obligations early and may negotiate higher contracts for the metal.

Canada's Barrick Gold Corporation says copper prices are set to remain robust as industrial demand from China and India continues to rise.