AAP

Mining giant Rio Tinto has weighed into Africa's nationalism debate, with chief executive Tom Albanese saying royalty regimes are better for host countries than direct equity ownership in projects.

Australian shares rebounded strongly to finish the day in positive territory after initially falling more than one per cent.

More than a quarter of nations represented at the Commonwealth leaders' meeting in Perth have failed to allow basic industrial rights for workers, the ACTU says

Treasurer Wayne Swan says Australian households are still doing it tough, despite encouraging news on inflation.

Specialty retailer Super Retail Group says it has started the current financial year well, despite uncertain conditions in the broader retail sector.

The resources sector could lose market share to other countries if new exploration incentives are not introduced and costs continue to rise, warns the nation's richest person, Gina Rinehart.

Australia's peak business group has backed Prime Minister Julia Gillard's support for free trade access to developing nations against rising calls for protectionism in international markets.

The rate of inflation has slowed but economists are divided on whether there will be an interest rate cut in the coming months.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says decisions made by European leaders this week will determine the future of the world economy.

Australian shares opened lower as investors worried a resolution to the European debt crisis may not come as soon as hoped.

Fortescue Metals Group has borrowed $US1.5 billion ($A1.44 billion), half a billion more than initially intended, to fund the iron ore miner's expansion plans.

The Australian dollar fell on scepticism that Europe's leaders are close to resolving the region's debt crisis and as traders await local inflation data.

Global stock markets were lower in cautious trade as investors waited in hope for a second EU summit to produce a long-awaited plan to solve the eurozone debt crisis.

The Australian dollar was trading higher today ahead of key domestic inflation data but drifted for most of the day session.

Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says the iron ore price will be softer in the longer term.

Wine maker Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) says trading conditions remain challenging but that the company is well placed for growth.

More flights were on time during September than in the previous year but still below the long-term average, new data shows.

Australian shares declined 0.6 per cent, after yesterday's 2.6 per cent jump, as traders awaited two key announcements due tomorrow.

The economist known as "Dr Doom" told the Commonwealth Business Forum in Perth today that there is a more than 50 per cent chance of another world recession.

Property developer Stockland says consumer sentiment improved in the first three months of the financial year, as evidenced by its sales figures for the period.

WorleyParsons has reaffirmed its guidance of improved earnings in the current financial year and says it continues to evaluate opportunities for new business growth.

The gold price could rise to $US2,200 an ounce by 2013 as global economic uncertainty continues, South Africa-based gold mining giant AngloGold Ashanti says.

Australia's carbon tax and minerals resources rent tax (MRRT) have helped make the country a less-favoured destinations for mining investment, says one of the world's largest resources investment m

Shareholders have rejected the remuneration package for the management of clothing and linen producer Pacific Brands.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has dismissed as premature reports Australia might be asked to help fund a Eurozone rescue plan.

A man has been arrested and charged after he allegedly entered a restricted security zone put in place for the Commonwealth leaders' meeting in Perth.

The Australian Greens have made slight gains, following a fortnight of Labor and the coalition playing a blame-game over asylum seekers.

Customs staff at international airports across the country plan to strike this week over a pay deal dispute with the federal government.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has again left the door open to lower interest rates and flagged tomorrow's inflation data as potentially paving the way for a move.

The Australian dollar rose to a six-week high on hopes that European leaders would soon announce plans to contain the region's debt crisis and avert a recession.