NAB results get a thumbs up from investors, who otherwise remain cautious.

Central banks will resort to 'helicopter money' to avoid a long recession that looms as millions of workers face losing their jobs to robots, veteran investor Bill Gross says.

Higher sales volumes failed to offset a decline in refiner margins at oil refiner and distributor Caltex, resulting in a steep fall in March-quarter earnings.

 Australian retailers are bracing for a record run into June 30 as budget tax breaks and the Dick Smith closure power a billion-dollar, small business spending spree.

Though the effort has been portrayed as a blow to corruption and organized crime, some critics say it is as an infringement on personal freedom and a stealthy tool of monetary policy.

The highest grossing R-rated film ever and increased political advertising spending have helped 21st Century Fox increase third-quarter revenue.