AAP

China's rapid economic growth is driving demand for more than just Australia's resources and is now providing opportunities for financial services, Trade Minister Craig Emerson says.

Iron-ore developer WPG Resources says it expects the mining regulator to approve its mining and rehabilitation plan (MARP) for the Peculiar Knob project in South Australia in July.

Figures released today confirm the likelihood the economy contracted in the March quarter.

The Australian stock market has opened weaker in directionless trade, on a lack of company news and public holidays in the UK and US.

The Australian dollar was higher after commodity prices and US equity markets closed stronger in the offshore session on Friday night.

A key member of the federal government's multi-party climate change committee is yet to be convinced a price on carbon is the way to address global warming.

A key measure of consumer confidence rose unexpectedly this month and Americans' spending and income climbed in April, giving stocks their third straight day of gains on Friday.

PM orders carbon tax blitz – The Aus; Banks told to prepare for more shocks – The Fin; Miners under cyber attack – The Aus; Barnett wins reprieve in WA power crisis – The Fin; Rocky Bay in war of words over pay row – The West

London-listed online gaming company Sportingbet has struck it lucky in the Australian market after internet gaming and wagering firm Centrebet International agreed to its $183 million takeover offer.

As the government's deadline for putting a price on carbon nears, members of the committee working on the scheme will roll their sleeves up for an informal weekend meeting.

Single-mine gold and copper producer OZ Minerals will trade on a post-consolidation basis from Monday May 30.

The federal government faces an uphill battle to implement its mandatory pre-commitment gambling scheme after all states, except Tasmania, argued that it should remain optional.

The failure of the ASX/SGX merger and tax rulings on private equity deals, such as that involving Myer, will not stand in the way of Australia becoming a financial services hub for the region, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten says.

Three small, rural Tasmanian towns have plenty to teach the rest of the country - and a government monopoly - about how to handle the NBN rollout.

The Australian stock market recovered from early softness to end the week higher, as bargain hunters moved in to recover value in a heavily sold-down bourse.

The federal government has given bookmakers 12 months to rein in their spruiking of in-run betting during sports broadcasts, or risk having laws introduced to control it.

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten does not believe tying up money from the government's proposed mining tax in a sovereign wealth fund is a sensible idea.

Thousands of Australian credit cards have been cancelled and reissued after a possible security breach involving a credit card merchant.

The Maritime Union of Australia and stevedore Patrick could resume pay negotiations next week after wharf workers returned to full-time duties at ports across Australia.

Virgin Australia will have to wait until June for final approval of its proposed partnership with Delta Air Lines on trans-Pacific routes after the US government extended the comment period by a week.

The Australian stock market has opened slightly lower, after a relatively soft lead from Wall Street, with investors taking profits made earlier in the week.

The Australian dollar was almost half a US cent higher after news of an planned influx of Chinese investment into New Zealand improved market sentiment.

Miners plan $90 billion project spree – The Fin; Barnett's Derby gas base plan in doubt – The West; Swan adamant in royalties row – The Fin; Threat of carbon tax blackouts – The Aus; Blakiston falls to east coast suitor – The West

US stocks ended higher on Thursday after a morning slump, with Nasdaq tech stocks outperforming while the Dow's blue chips gave a feeble showing.

Caltex Australia refiner margins continued to contract in April, as the price of crude oil rose on tight supply after the Japanese earthquake and Libyan conflict.

West Australian Health Minister Kim Hames says he will investigate whether health department staff acted appropriately in accepting expensive gifts and overseas trips from pharmaceutical companies.

As the multi-party climate change committee gets down to the serious business of setting a carbon price, bookies suggest it will be under $25 a tonne.

West Australian Energy Minister Peter Collier has thrown his support behind a national solar feed-in tariff.

The Australian stock market posted gains of 1.6 per cent to end a four-day losing streak, led higher by gold, energy and materials after a bounce on commodity markets overnight.

The largest harvest in the history of grain handler and marketer GrainCorp has led to a record half year net profit and upgrade in annual guidance.

Six trial flights and countless hours of training and preparation have concluded with the successful launch of Virgin Australia's inaugural Airbus A330 flight from Sydney to Perth.

Native title interests have been recognised across 65 per cent of the Kimberley following a court ruling on a claim in the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Kimberley Land Council says.