AAP

Price rises associated with travel and home ownership were offset by falling fruit and vegetable and rent costs in October, according to a new survey.

Rare earths supplier Lynas Corporation says slight delays mean a planned Malaysian plant will now come on line during the first half of 2012.

The Australian share market opened the week lower, after markets in the United States had mixed results on Friday.

Qantas will recover market share and press ahead with plans to set up an international business in Asia despite incurring more that $100 million in lost earnings, the airline's boss says.

The Australian dollar is at its highest levels in almost two months, rising on the back of optimism that the eurozone debt crisis will be contained.

After powerful equity relief rallies on a European debt crisis deal and stronger US economic growth, Wall Street investors are poised to refocus on the home front this week.

Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell says net profits doubled to $US6.98 billion ($A6.73 billion) between June and September as revenues rose by a third thanks to higher oil prices.

The Queen was surrounded by didgeridoos, AFL footballs and kangaroo stew as Aboriginal Australia took centre stage on her visit to Perth.

The Australian dollar is trading at seven-week highs, gaining over one US cent after a breakthrough was announced to resolve the eurozone government debt crisis.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says Labor's ban on selling uranium to India isn't holding back the country's civil nuclear program.

A clash is looming between police and protesters planning to occupy Forrest Place, with authorities insisting that overnight camping there won't be allowed.

Australian shares closed up more than two per cent after a truncated trading day caused by technical problems.

The Duke of Edinburgh has visited the University of Western Australia to learn about the latest aerial mining exploration technology.

Australia will support global efforts to improve corporate governance and transparency in the resources sector.

European leaders have agreed on a crucial plan to reduce Greece's debts and provide it with more rescue loans so that the faltering country can eventually dig out from under its debt burden.

Customs workers say they are close to a new pay deal with management, ending weeks of rolling strike action.

Newcrest Mining has warned that the proposed carbon tax threatens the wellbeing of gold producers.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says he is yet to speak to a Liberal backbencher who indicated he might cross the floor in support of Labor's mining tax.

Treasurer Wayne Swan says there would be no excuse for retail banks not to lower their loan rates should the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate next week.

Ten Network Holdings full year profit plunged 90.5 per cent as the broadcaster continues an operational and strategic review.

Woolworths has reported a "patchy" first quarter sales result, with its supermarkets, liquor and new homeware divisions performing well, while sales declined at Big W.

The nation's air traffic boss wants mining companies in Western Australia to re-roster staff to reduce congestion at Perth Airport.

Australian shares jumped almost two per cent, after the market finally opened, as European leaders agreed on a crucial plan to reduce Greece's debts and provide it with more rescue loans.

Strong growth in deposits and home lending has helped National Australia Bank increase its annual profit by 23.6 per cent to a record $5.22 billion.

The Australian dollar saw a slight rise overnight, as traders await news from Europe on developments in the region's debt crisis talks.

US stocks closed with solid gains Wednesday after a choppy session focused on the EU crisis summit, which produced no comprehensive plan but gave hints at real progress.

Woodside Petroleum's new chief executive has not ruled out an onshore processing plant in East Timor for the multi-billion-dollar Sunrise liquefied natural gas project, although the company is stil

The Australian dollar is three-quarters of a US cent lower against the background of delays in Europe's debt crisis talks and soft local inflation figures.

Western Australia's population will double over the next 40 years on the back of a continuing resources boom, Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls says.

Australian explorer Karoon Gas has told its shareholders that its Brazilian fields are part of the biggest oil discovery in 70 years.

The battle to protect Australia's terrestrial environment from feared effects of coal seam gas (CSG) mining is at fever pitch.