Financial Services

ANZ Banking Group has raised its variable interest rates for retail mortgages and small business loans by 0.06 per cent.

Banks clawed back margins on home loans in late 2011 with average interest rates on new variable mortgages declining by less than the overnight cash rate, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) says.

The Australian share market has opened slightly stronger despite a slump in net profits by mining giant Rio Tinto.

The US stock market finally got a deal in Greece, but it didn't produce much of a rally.

The Australian dollar was marginally lower after economic data showed Chinese inflation at its highest level in three months.

The Australian share market closed slightly lower as investors mulled over mixed earnings results, the ongoing Greek debt crisis and whether or not China would cut its interest rates.

The Australian share market has opened weaker with the stocks of major companies BHP Billiton and Telstra weighing on sentiment after weaker-than-expected profit results.

The Australian dollar has fallen back as traders remain concerned that a resolution for the Greece's debt woes will eventuate.

Stocks staged an afternoon-long rally and closed higher on Wednesday as Greece appeared to close in on the cost-cutting deal it needs to keep from defaulting on its national debt.

The Australian dollar pushed past the 108 US cent mark as markets continue to react positively to the central bank's unexpected decision to hold interest rates steady.

The Australian share market has closed higher as a positive day for energy stocks offset weakness among Australia's retail banks and mining giant BHP Billiton.

Allen & Overy, Freehills and Allens Arthur Robinson have topped WA Business News' inaugural corporate finance league tables for law firms.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has brushed off concerns borrowers could be hit with higher bank interest rates, saying home owners and businesses could take their business elsewhere.

The Australian share market has opened firmer as traders await a busy day tomorrow for local earnings reports.

US stocks held steady in the green on Tuesday afternoon on growing confidence about the US job market and hope that Greece will reach a debt deal.

The Australian dollar rose to a fresh six-month high and is set for more gains after the central bank surprised the markets by keeping interest rates on hold.

The value of Western Australian listed companies rose by 9.6 per cent in January, as Australian markets continue to mirror commodities, new research says.

Australian shares closed weaker after the central bank unexpectedly kept interest rates on hold and the National Australia Bank and Macquarie Group posted results that disappointed the market.

Macquarie Group plans to cut 10 per cent of its investment banking jobs and fears its full year profit will plunge as difficult trading conditions take their toll.

National Australia Bank is on track for another record cash profit, but the bank says higher funding costs have begun to hit its revenue.

The building and construction industry and retailers have expressed disappointment with the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to keep interest rates on hold today, saying the nation's centr

The Australian share market market has opened flat as investors await the release of the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision and news from Greece and local earnings reports.

Banks say they may not be able pass on any interest rate cut the Reserve Bank of Australia makes today.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, as it continues to trade on strong US data.

Miners dragged Britain's top share index lower on Monday, after doubt surfaced about Glencore's potential merger with Xstrata, while banks waned in the absence of a debt deal for Greece.

The Australian share market market has closed higher after better than expected US jobs figures boosted global sentiment for equities.

Chief executive Chris Ryan is the latest departure from wealth manager Perpetual, after clashing with its board over strategy.

The big banks should fully pass on any rate cut by the central bank to help improve consumer and corporate confidence, a business lobby group says.

Australian shares have opened almost 1.5 per cent higher after the release of better-than-expected US jobs figures.

The Australian dollar is slightly higher, reflecting positive US jobs data.At 0705 AEDT, the Australian dollar was trading at 107.27 US cents, up from 106.88 cents on Friday afternoon.

A strong January jobs report on Friday sent US stocks soaring, pushing the Dow to pre-crisis levels, as investors celebrated a surge in job growth that pointed to new vitality in the fragile recove