The Australian dollar failed to gain any traction on Monday, after reaching its highest level in close to a month at the end of last week.

Australian stocks are tipped to start the week on a positive note as global markets brace for the scaling back of the US Federal Reserve's bond-buying program.

The Pimco Total Return Fund posted its first annual loss in 14 years, as fears of a reduction in the Federal Reserve's bond-buying sent bond prices lower.

Growth in China's services sector slowed sharply in December, adding to signs of slowing momentum in the world's second-largest economy.

Wal-Mart says it's adding DNA tests of meat it sells in China after recalling donkey products from a local supplier that authorities said contained fox DNA.

Capital city house prices rose by almost 10 per cent last year, the highest yearly growth in four years.

Boom in e-commerce and the rising use of the internet will bring boom-time conditions to the industrial property sector in the coming year.

More than $2 billion worth of office redevelopment is earmarked for Sydney’s CBD in the coming year.