AAP

Shares in Glory Resources rose after the junior minerals explorer acquired some landholdings from Rio Tinto in Canada that are prospective for platinum group metals, copper and nickel.

Western Australia's beaches are the most polluted in the nation with an average of nearly 1100 items of rubbish per site, Clean Up Australia's 2010 Rubbish Report has found.

Mermaid Marine Australia has reported a small jump in first half profit and predicts a stronger second half performance.

Westpac Banking Corporation chief executive Gail Kelly says business credit demand is likely to pick up in the second half of fiscal 2011, and could rebound quite quickly.

Australand Property Group has forecast earnings to grow by at least five per cent in 2011 after returning to profitability in 2010 and says the outlook for residential, industrial and office sectors remains positive.

Paladin Energy has increased its first half net loss by 55 per cent to $US29.5 million ($A29.5 million) as the uranium producer revised down its production forecast.

The Australian share market was lower in opening trade today, following a flat performance by Wall Street overnight.

US stocks have drifted higher as traders digested a flurry of merger and acquisition deals and an analyst downgrade of Wal-Mart, the world's biggest retailer.

The Australian dollar was lower this morning as investors awaited Chinese inflation data.

Energy regulator gets green light, but WA dissents–The Fin; Court action likely to revolve around Oswal–The Aus; GDI buys premier Perth office tower for $152m–The West; Thais in Timor Sea return bid–The Fin; Paladin loss widens on finance costs-The Fin

Atlas Iron has declared its off-market takeover offer for Giralia Resources unconditional and says it will accelerate payments to shareholders who accept the offer.

The rising use of wireless technology could pose a risk to the national broadband network, a report commissioned by the Gillard government says.

Resources sector investment company Talbot Group Investments is poised to offload its stake in junior uranium explorer Marathon Resources.

The Australian dollar was higher on Monday after strong official home loan data boosted investor appetite for the growth currency.

The Australian share market closed at a fresh 10-month high on Monday as political tensions in Egypt eased and investors regained some appetite for risk.

A union is picketing a downtown Perth construction site over concerns Chinese workers are being underpaid and denied other entitlements.

Sundance Resources says it is reasonable to expect a 20 per cent increase in total costs to develop its multi-billion dollar Mbalam iron ore project in Africa.

Less than 24 hours before the first West Australian parliamentary sitting day of the new year, Opposition Leader Eric Ripper has unveiled a reshuffle that affects more than half the shadow ministry.

Mining contractor Ausdrill has secured new contracts in Africa and Australia, including contracts with BHP Billiton in Zambia.

The number of new home loans taken out by home buyers rose in December and economists say it adds to the case for further tightening by the central bank as it appears the market has brushed off the rate increase in November.

The hospitals funding plan thrashed out in Canberra will result in a sustainable system to ensure improved public health services, West Australian Premier Colin Barnett says.

About 100 Qantas pilots have met in Melbourne to discuss industrial action over a pay dispute.

Leighton Holdings says it expects full year net profit to fall by more than 20 per cent in 2010/11, after reporting a 25 per cent drop in first half profit.

The Australian share market has risen in opening trade today, on positive leads from overseas markets over the weekend after the departure of Egyptian president Mubarak.

BHP Billiton is revelling in the commodities boom and on track to record pre-tax profits of $30 billion for the financial year, according to reports.

US stocks closed out their second straight week of gains on Friday with a rally sparked after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak resigned, easing tension around the region for now.

The Australian dollar was higher on Monday as market sentiment improved following the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Alcoa seeks five-year relief for Wagerup – The West; Tycoon's $40m fee spelt finish to Burrup float – The Fin; Stowe gets $2m from Griffin – The West; Perpetual opposes Kresta bid – The Fin; Sundance costs may reach $US4bn – The Fin

The Australian dollar was almost one US cent lower on Friday after Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens ruled out a further rate rise for the time being.

Severe water shortages in Western Australia's wheatbelt region has led to an official declaration of water deficiency by the state government.

The Australian share market was moderately weaker on Friday as investors took profits after digesting mixed earnings results and the impact of civil unrest in Egypt.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett is likely to agree to the federal government's amended hospital reforms after a clawback of the state's GST was dropped from the package.