AAP

The Australian sharemarket proved resilient to a steady stream of negative news from the Middle East, closing flat on solid performances from resources and healthcare sectors.

A takeover bid of Perth-based oil and gas explorer Amadeus Energy hasn't been resolved and its shares remain in a trading halt, the company says.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the government's decision not to fund insulation for homes near Perth airport is based on science.

Ratings agency Fitch has resolved its negative rating watch on Downer EDI, praising the work of its new management team and playing down the impact of a troubled train project on the company's ability to win other work.

The Australian sharemarket has opened slightly lower despite positive economic and manufacturing data from the US and Europe overnight.

Gold touched a record high above $1,440 an ounce yesterday, as a bullish confluence of political unrest in Libya, surging oil prices and easy monetary policies spurred safe haven buying.

Burrup collapse may cost ANZ $100 million – The Fin; New investors come to the rescue to keep Neptune afloat – The West; Heritage bid for Burrup – The West; Little hotel plan for Fremantle- The West; Satterley finds Perth variation – The Fin

The Australian dollar opened higher after better than expected US private sector employment data heightened expectations for official US employment figures on Friday night.

Wall Street stocks edged higher on Wednesday after a surprisingly strong report on hiring by private companies raised hopes that the job market may be improving.

PERTH house prices fell 1.5 per cent in January, amid a national fall of 1.6 per cent that further dampened growth as natural disasters swept across the nation, according to a recent survey.

The controversial boss of the discredited fuel pill company Firepower has failed to appear in court to seek a hearing on whether he can get his passport back.

The Australian sharemarket closed lower as tensions in the Middle East continued to rattle markets and spike up oil prices.

The consumer group Choice says a supermarket ombudsman would help decide whether milk at $1 a litre was helping or harming customers.

Frank Lowy is handing the day-to-day control of shopping centre giant Westfield Group to his sons, just over 50 years since he co-founded the company in Sydney's western suburbs.

Filipino workers paid "slave labour" rates on the North West Shelf could be entitled to tens of thousands of dollars in back pay, the Australian Workers Union says.

Local councils, including Melville and Swan, were duped by Lehman Brothers Australia into thinking they were buying safe investments, the Federal Court has heard at the start of a landmark $250 million lawsuit.

Passengers on cruise ships passing through West Australian waters will now be able to gamble on board after the state government lifted a ban on casino gaming at sea.

Australia's economic growth remains "impressive" despite a backdrop of wild weather and weak economies abroad, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

Consolidated Media boss James Packer has resigned from the board of Ten Network Holdings, effective immediately.

The Australian sharemarket has opened lower following negative leads from Wall St overnight and continuing tensions in the Middle East.

Consultants Access Economics and professional services firm Deloitte have joined forces to create an economics advisory practice to be known as Deloitte Access Economics.

Murchison Metals shares have been placed in a trading halt as the miner waits to see if the West Australian government will grant an extension to its stalled Oakajee port and rail development.

Zinc, copper and nickel miner Kagara has failed in its $14.3 million takeover bid for explorer Copper Strike.

US stocks dropped sharply on Tuesday after Federal Reserve chief Ben Bernanke warned that high oil prices could spark inflation and stall the country's economic recovery.

The Australian dollar was lower this morning, after a poor night on US shares and fresh worries about the health of the North American economy.

Heat is on Murchison over $6b Oakajee fear – The West; Lundin boss doubts the benefits of deal – The Aus; 'War' declared in high-rise battle – The West; Council losses mount – The Fin; Ferngrove scores capital coup – The West

The big supermarkets' push for a larger bite of grocery sales through home-brand items has the potential to devastate small local farms, one expert says.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has called on the federal government to consider making natural gas exempt from a carbon tax.

Subiaco-based Venture Minerals says it will cost $162 million to develop its Mt Lindsay tin and tungsten project in northwest Tasmania.

The Australian share market closed flat after profit-taking eroded earlier gains on the information technology and materials sectors.

Former West Australian cabinet minister Norm Marlborough choked back tears outside court after hearing his conviction of giving false evidence to the state's corruption watchdog had been quashed.

Angry investors have lambasted Neptune Marine Services for proposing a dilution of their shareholdings via a capital raising of up to $80.6 million under plans to return the ailing company to growth.