The Nasdaq has powered to a fresh record, easily topping the prior all-time high in a broad rally that withstood signs that a Greek debt default could be moving closer.
Wall Street stocks have risen after the US Federal Reserve kept its near-zero benchmark interest rate unchanged and Chair Janet Yellen pledged a methodical approach to raising rates.
The Australian dollar is higher, buoyed by weakness in the US dollar which fell after the US Federal Reserve's meeting failed to spell out the timing of an interest rate hike.
US stocks have snapped a two-day losing streak, finishing solidly higher ahead of a Federal Reserve policy announcement expected to shed light on the timing of interest rate hikes.
Two telco companies that provide roaming services have begun their first day of trading on the ASX today, with Norwood Systems making solid gains while Flexiroam closed flat.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will keep a close watch on the economy in the coming months to assess whether more interest rate cuts are needed, as economic growth and business investment remain sluggish.
The Australian dollar is higher, supported by a small rise in gold prices, and as the greenback weakened following the release of disappointing US economic data.
US stocks have dropped as worry about a Greek debt default more than offset a positive reaction to big deals in the pharmaceuticals and homebuilder sectors.
The Australian share market regained most of its losses from early in the session but still closed slightly lower as investors fretted over the continuing Greek debt saga.
The Australian dollar is slightly lower after the US dollar strengthened in overnight trade following the release of better than expected US economic data.
