AAP

Investment in the resources sector has hit a new record and will boost Australia's future supply of key commodities as the nation's commodities boom continues, a new government report shows.

Iron ore miner Flinders Mining has gone into a trading halt pending an announcement on the court hearing over its proposed $554 million takeover by a Russian steel maker.

The head of Rio Tinto's iron ore division has rejected the suggestion that the actions of miners were too quickly depleting the earth's resources.

Foxtel has completed its $2 billion takeover of regional counterpart Austar, and says pricing and billing procedures will not change for customers of either service.

Mining magnate Andrew Forrest has described the European debt crisis as a beat-up.But, he says Australia is still "lucky to be next to Asia and not Europe".

Sundance Resources and its Chinese suitor Hanlong Mining have altered a $1.65 billion takeover agreement to ensure the deal is finalised by November.

The Australian share market has opened slightly higher, led by major resources companies after a mixed night on overseas bourses.

More than 3,000 coalminers have started a week-long strike in Queensland's Bowen Basin as an 18-month dispute over working conditions rolls on.

Oil prices have slumped, falling to a six-month low under $US90 in New York as the US dollar rallied on eurozone debt tensions.

US stocks have closed mixed, with a late rally paring losses prompted by increased fears of a Greek euro exit and disappointing earnings from computer maker Dell.

Myer believes it can generate up to $300 million in online sales as women and young people head to its website to buy clothes.

The outlook for economic growth has improved although it is still below average.

Gina Rinehart grows $1 million wealthier every half hour.Family financial squabbles have done nothing to stop her relentless rise as the richest woman in Australia, and now the world.

Australian stocks tumbled on fresh fears about a possible Greek exit from the euro zone, with all local stock sectors weaker and the Australian dollar touching a six-month low.

Qantas and Jetstar will cut the number of flights arriving at Darwin and Uluru because of poor patronage due to a slump in overseas visitors.

The organisers of the ill-fated Kimberley ultramarathon did not contact fire authorities until well after a bushfire swept over the race route and severely burned two runners, an inquiry has b

A fire at a platinum mine in Zimbabwe part owned by Australia's Aquarius Platinum could affect the company's production.

Mineral sands miner Iluka Resources has backed away from earlier pledges to increase dividends but still predicts a decent increase in earnings this year.

Big businesses are not buying influence when they pay $25,000 a year to be a member of the state Liberal Party's fundraising club, says Premier Colin Barnett.

Australia's economy could be at risk as Europe's debt crisis threatens China's export markets, the World Bank says.

Job advertisements on the internet fell by seven per cent last month, new federal government figures show.

The Australian share market opened lower after two days of gains, with losses across most sectors after mixed offshore leads.

Myer's third quarter sales have fallen and the department store chain has downgraded its forecast for full year net profit.

US stocks have given up early gains and finished mostly flat as investors dump Facebook shares for a second straight day amid new controversy about the company's $US16 billion IPO.

Union leader Paul Howes wants the federal government to pull banks into line on interest rates by forcing them to match the central bank's rate moves.

The Australian dollar has continued to climb higher, on positive commentary from the euro zone and China.

The Australian share market continued its second consecutive day of recovery from last week's carnage, driven by overnight offshore leads.

The federal government has rubbished an opposition claim that councils haven't been given enough time to prepare for the impact of the carbon tax on their landfill sites.

Leighton Holdings' board has met with angry shareholders at the company's annual general meeting as they were forced to explain recent downgrading of their profit forecasts.

An eighth man has been charged over a kickback scandal at City of Stirling council.

The dispute between unions and miner BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) at seven central Queensland mines could escalate.