US law firm launches class action against Rio Tinto

An American law firm based in Seattle has filed a class action lawsuit against Rio Tinto over the giant miner's failed investment in a Mozambique coal project which cost Rio billions of dollars.

From $1m to $730m: Power station value under scrutiny

The $1 million sale of a coal-fired power station by the NSW government has been referred to the state's Auditor-General after it emerged the plant's new owners revalued it as being worth $730 million.

Leaked police memo sparks accusations of collusion between ABC and Labor

Memo suggested police operations were compromised by the need to protect Malcolm Turnbull's Point Piper mansion.

Customers complain of 'phantom' gas bills

Customers say they have received ''phantom'' gas bills for a meter that is no longer on her property.

ASX in holding pattern as banks slip

The Australian sharemarket consolidated around the 5-1/2-month high it hit late last week as a two-week run of gains runs out of puff.

Abacus spends $43m on Todd Road office

Abacus Property group run by industry veteran Frank Wolf has snapped up a fully-leased Port Melbourne office for $43.5 million.

Markets Live: ASX stalls as banks weigh

Shares are in a holding pattern as banks continue to ease ahead of their earnings results, while the Productivity Commission makes some bold calls on how to boost the economy.

Is it worth paying extra for Fairtrade products?

• COMMENT

I'm willing to pay a little more to ensure suppliers are treated fairly, but I don't want businesses to exploit my generosity to boost their own profits.

With Vegemite in the pantry Bega looks for more buys

The dairy and food company Bega Cheese has signalled its willingness to make further acquisitions and expand, telling shareholders fresh opportunities for growth would inevitably arise.

Is the ASX set for a bear market?

Rather than celebrating the ASX's recent solid year-long run, strategists are questioning whether it will continue - and what to do if things turn sour.

Melbourne land values surge while Sydney tops $1000 a square metre

The median price of residential land in Sydney has topped $1051 a square metre setting a new benchmark.

'Very difficult' to let ex-CEO go, says Sirtex chairman

The board of troubled ASX-listed biotechnology group Sirtex found it "very difficult" to let go of its former chief executive, Gilman Wong, according to outgoing chairman Richard Hill.

'Enough is enough': Lew threatens EGM for Myer board seats

• UPDATED

Solomon Lew has threatened to call an extraordinary general meeting to get two seats on Myer's board, after the under-siege department rebuffed his request earlier this month.

'Enron in the making': Saudi billionaire joins Bitcoin sceptics

Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is joining the long line of sceptics saying bitcoin is a bubble as the digital currency continues to set record highs.

Fletcher Building in trading halt

Fletcher Building shares have been placed in a trading halt at the company's request, as the construction giant considers the financial performance of one of its key business units.

Bedbug-infested flight left British Airways passengers 'covered in bites'

Passenger Heather Szilagyi used to clean hotel rooms, so knows a bedbug when she sees one.

The low-wage earners spending thousands on work 'uniforms'

A study has found retail workers are spending money out of their own pockets to promote the fashion brands they sell.

Retail staff required to buy own 'work uniform'

Prudence Thompson and Priscilla Fujita say they had to spend money from their own pockets to promote the fashion brands they sold.

Future Fund ahead of annual target, falls short in quarter

The Future Fund has posted a below-target return for the September quarter, citing the increasing likelihood of global interest rate rises, but remained ahead of target on an annual basis.

Business tax cuts a possibility

• Tax Cuts

Treasurer Scott Morrison says for the Australian economy to continue to grow and compete with other world economies, business tax cuts are needed.

Nufarm to buy European portfolio for $691m

Chemical supplier Nufarm has agreed to pay $691 million for a European portfolio of crop protection products, and has its eye on another acquisition.

Amazon receives 238 proposals for second headquarters

Bids for Amazon's second headquarters came from all but seven US states, as well as most of southern Canada, three regions of Mexico and Puerto Rico.

8@eight: ASX set to take a breather

• Sponsored

Local stocks are expected to open modestly lower, with little inspiration from overseas markets.

More bikes coming: World's biggest bike-share arrives in Sydney

Undeterred by controversy over bikes cluttering public spaces, the world's biggest bike sharing company will put hundreds of yellow bikes on Sydney streets.

Rio said to pay legal fees in fraud case

Rio Tinto will cover the legal costs of its former CEO and CFO after US authorities charged them with fraud, sources said.

Toys 'R' Us collapse to hit Hasbro holiday sales

The bankruptcy of Toys 'R' Us weakened Hasbro's forecasts for the holiday season.

China pollution crackdown here to stay, says minister

A crackdown on polluting industries in northern China for an unprecedented five months over winter is not a one-off and is set to hit Australian iron ore and coal exports.

Sydney smarter, more professional

Sydney's workforce is dominated by professionals and managers.

Company tax cuts 'urgent' as Morrison issues warning

The Senate has passed only $24 billion of the government's $50 billion program of company tax cuts.