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Business Breaking News
Aust shares expected to start week higher
10:18AM The Australian share market is expected to start the week higher, following strong leads from the US and European markets.
Apple to buy Shazam for $US400 million
9:17AM Apple is close to buying London-based Shazam, which sources say could $US400 million ($A560 million).
What is bitcoin?
7:03AM Bitcoin is taking investors on a rollercoaster, doubling in two days to as much as $US19,500 ($A27,300) before dropping nearly a fifth of its traded value.
Punters cling on in bitcoin rollercoaster
7:03AM Bitcoin is taking investors on a rollercoaster, nearly doubling in two days, before dropping a fifth of its value in 10 hours, as market watchers fear a bubble.
Spotify, Tencent buy stakes in each other
7:03AM Spotify is hoping a deal with China's Tencent Holdings will help it expand beyond North America and Europe to capture Asia's large music streaming market.
EU, Japan clinch largest trade deal
2:28AM In response to rising US protectionism from the Trump administration, Japan and the EU have clinched the world's largest free trade deal.
Stocks of interest on the ASX this week
9:35PM Stocks of interest on the Australian share market
A preview of next week's economic data
9:35PM A preview of next week's Australian economic data, December 11 to December 15.
AWE rises as China giant makes fresh offer
6:08PM A Chinese state-owned energy group has made a second takeover bid for AWE just days after withdrawing its first, reviving shares in the local gas and oil firm.
Wagners cements high-rise ASX debut
5:24PM Shares in construction materials provider Wagners have soared on the Australian Securities Exchange, up more than 25 per cent on its first day of trading.
Shark finder changes name for bigger bite
4:26PM The Australian-makers of a sonar shark detection system have dropped their self-describing moniker to chase bigger fish.
Criticisms of the banks warranted: Westpac
3:44PM Westpac chairman Lindsay Maxsted believes criticism of banks is justified and says the sector has failed to meet expectations on occasion.
The business week in numbers
2:18PM The big and small numbers that grabbed our attention - or should have - in the business world this week.
IAG shares higher on deal with reinsurers
1:22PM IAG says a quota share agreement with three companies will help the insurance giant manage its capital and reduce earnings volatility.
Wearable payment devices for Olympics
11:53AM Technology will be a key factor during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang in South Korea in March.
France named best food sustainable country
10:16AM Banning supermarkets from throwing away food and requiring restaurants provide doggy bags to diners who ask for one help France win best food sustainable crown.
EIB plans internationally-focused offshoot
9:55AM The European Investment Bank plans to launch an internationally-focused E7 billion-E8 billion subsidiary aimed at countries fuelling Europe's migrant crisis.
Kiwi follows Aussie's path down
7:22AM The New Zealand dollar has fallen to US68.36c, following its Australian counterpart down after Australia's October trade surplus shrank drastically.
US dollar hits two-week high
9:16PM The US dollar has risen against the yen and hit a two-week high against a basket of peers.
Cannabis company set to begin production
4:15PM Cannabis producer AusCann expects to start growing and manufacturing medicinal marijuana products in Australia in 2018.
NZ shares up, Fletcher and Spark gain
4:15PM New Zealand shares rose on Thursday, led higher by Fletcher Building and Spark, while A2 Milk Co and Kathmandu Holdings weakened.
ASX operator plans bitcoin-inspired tech
4:15PM The ASX plans to upgrade its transaction clearing and settlement systems with distributed ledger technology similar to that which underpins bitcoin.
Kiwi follows Aussie lower on trade data
4:15PM The NZ dollar followed its Australian counterpart lower after trade figures across the Tasman weighed on the outlook for the currencies.
Lower mining exports dents trade balance
2:41PM Australia's trade surplus narrowed to $105 million in October as mining exports declined and imports of goods and services continued to rise.
Big firms join forces for women's equality
2:31PM Oxford University has teamed up with some of the worlds top global companies with an initiative to increase women's financial clout.
Amsterdam's visitor boom angers locals
1:08PM Amsterdam and its 850,000 residents now welcome more than 6 million foreign tourists a year, and the number of well-heeled expatriates has also doubled.
$300-billion Saudi sell-off moves slowly
12:07PM Those watching Saudi Arabia's massive privatisation program say heavy bureaucracy and an inadequate legal framework are among the factors slowing the process.
Venezuela to launch oil-backed Petro
11:06AM Venezuela will launch a crytocurrency called the petro as US sanctions bite, hitting the oil producer's ability to make financial transactions.
Infrastructure, homes boost construction
11:05AM More house building, a fresh high in engineering work, and a surge in commercial work have helped lift overall construction activity, despite fewer apartments.
Citrus disease molecule identified
10:17AM Researchers hope to have a solution to citrus greening disease available to orange farmers in a year after identifying a molecule vital to its transmission.
Foxtel, Fox Sports merger gets ACCC nod
10:04AM The consumer watchdog says it will not oppose the proposed merger of Fox Sports and Foxtel after finding the deal will not lessen industry competition.
China dominates in patent applications
9:38AM The number of patent applications from China accounts for 98 per cent of the global increase, topping the combined total of US, Japan, Korea and Europe.
NZ dollar falls as Fonterra cuts forecast
7:32AM The New Zealand dollar fell as Fonterra cut its forecast farmgate payout on weak global dairy prices.
Tech tremors, metals spoil global rally
8:51PM Investors concerned about high valuations took the top off the tech sector, where stocks such as Facebook and Alphabet have reached "eye-watering" prices.
'Creepy' technology puts off consumers
4:26PM "Creepy" intuitive technology and a lack of trust with personal information is challenging brands offering customised shopping experiences, a study has found.
NZ dollar rises as Aussie growth slows
4:05PM The NZ dollar rose against the Aussie after figures showed the Australian economy grew at a slower-than-expected pace in the third quarter.
NZ shares fall as Scales hits record
4:05PM Shares fell on Wednesday with Synlait Milk and Fletcher Building leading the index down, while Scales Corp hit a record on intraday trading.
Slater and Gordon rescue plan proceeds
3:32PM Slater and Gordon shareholders have approved a lifeline for the troubled law firm, voting to back a recapitalisation plan at a meeting in Melbourne.
TPG hit with first strike on executive pay
3:13PM TPG has been hit with a first strike over executive pay, with almost 30 per cent of shareholders voting against the telco's remuneration report.
Consumers 'misled by Voltaren advertising'
1:35PM Consumer watchdog is taking two pharmaceutical companies to court over allegations they falsely advertised painkilling products.
Turning poop into power in Kenya
1:08PM Socially-motivated business Sanivation is providing toilets to poor Kenyans without one, charges a collect fee then turns the solid waste into charcoal.
Uber joins global public transport body
12:08PM Uber is joining a global public transport association as it works to improve its relationships with authorities in the cities in which it operates.
US trade deficit hits nine month high
12:08PM The US trade deficit has widened to $US48.7 billion in October, with imports increasing 1.6 per cent and exports unchanged.
Tycoon on fraud charges fights extradition
11:32AM Businessman Vijay Mallya is in a London court as he battles India's efforts to extradite home to face fraud charges.
Tech rally leaves Wall Street lower
10:57AM Wall Street has fallen as a technology rebound lost steam and Walt Disney shares dipped, while investors assessed how a US tax overhaul would impact earnings.
Incitec Pivot hit by end of BHP contract
10:12AM Incitec Pivot's FY20 and FY21 and profit will be hit after BHP decided to end a contract to source ammonium nitrate prill from the company.
NZ dollar slips after rising above US69c
7:19AM The New Zealand dollar fell from its overnight highs against the greenback as dairy prices gained at the latest auction but on lower volumes.
Apple to pay Ireland $A21 bln in taxes
12:23AM After pressure from the EU, Apple has reached a deal with Ireland on how to pay back more than $A20 billion in unpaid taxes.
EU adopts blacklist of 17 tax havens
12:23AM The European Union is taking a tough stance on tax havens, issuing a blacklist of 17 countries seen as uncooperative on tax matters.
Cineworld in $A5b deal for Regal group
9:43PM British cinema chain Cineworld has sealed a deal to acquire US-based Regal Entertainment Group for $US3.6 billion.
FTSE keeps Europe steady, pound suffers
9:22PM Britain's pound has skidded back under $US1.34 ($A1.88) on the back of stalled Brexit talks.
Tinybeans strikes deal with US media giant
5:38PM A Sydney company that offers parents a digital platform to share children's milestones is partnering with US media conglomerate Meredith Corporation.
More first home buyers in market: report
5:34PM The highest number of first home buyers entered the market in the year to August 2017 since June 2015 but saving for a deposit takes longer, new research shows.
Exports, public spending to weigh on GDP
4:52PM Exports dipped in the September quarter and the current account deficit narrowed slightly in a possible drag on third quarter economic growth.
RBA holds rates amid spending uncertainty
4:47PM The Reserve Bank has held the cash rate steady at 1.5 per cent for a 16th straight month.
Retail relief at soft Amazon Aussie debut
4:25PM Amazon's Australian website has launched with fewer products and smaller discounts than widely expected.
South32 NSW coal mine output to be lower
4:15PM South32 has flagged lower full-year output at its Illawarra coal operations, with one of the site's two mines suspended for an extended period.
Kiwi up with RBNZ's more flexible approach
4:01PM The NZ dollar rose against the greenback after acting Reserve Bank Governor Grant Spencer said the central bank is adopting a more flexible approach.
NZ shares down, Xero and A2 drop
4:01PM New Zealand shares fell on Tuesday, led lower by Xero and A2 Milk Co, while Scales Corp gained after a guidance update.
Don't put money on a cashless society: RBA
3:56PM Predictions of the death of cash may have been greatly exaggerated as the demand for bank notes continues to alongside the digital payments.
BHP chief: Gov too short-sighted for mine
3:44PM Governments need to ditch dangerous short-termism and think big picture when it comes to getting the best out of the mining sector, according to BHP's CEO.
Countdown to Brexit breakthrough?
12:29PM After British PM Theresa May fails to agree 'divorce settlement' terms with EC president Jean-Claude Juncker over the UK's departure from the EU - where to now?
Service sector activity edges up in Nov
12:28PM The Australian Industry Group's Performance of Services Index rose 0.3 points in November, keeping service sector activity in expansion mode during the month.
Amazon says Alexa is ready for the office
12:12PM Amazon says its increasingly popular digital voice aide Alexa can now be your office assistant able to undertake a range of tedious tasks.
EU set to assess impact of US tax reform
10:59AM European Union official are worried about the impact of the US tax reform bill, and EU finance ministers add the issue to their monthly meeting agenda.
Confidence climbs, reverses previous falls
9:57AM Consumer confidence has bounced 0.7 per cent to 115.8 points in the week to December 3, reversing the previous week's 1.2 per cent fall.
Ireland, Apple reach deal on unpaid taxes
7:46AM Tech giant Apple has reached an agreement with Ireland over an escrow account for 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes the EU demands be collected.
Kiwi falls as US approves tax cuts
7:46AM The New Zealand dollar has fallen to US68.43 cents against a broadly stronger greenback following the US Senate approving economy-boosting tax cuts.
Bitcoin hits record high of $US11,800
7:46AM Bitcoin has surged to a record high of about $US11,800 on news the main US derivatives regulator would allow futures contracts for the currency.
Metcash profit boost sends shares soaring
4:50PM Metcash has lifted first-half profit 24 per cent to $92.9 million despite a drop in sales across its supermarkets business.
Telstra adds a billion on buy rating
4:34PM Telstra shares jumped after analysts from Deutsche Bank upgraded the telco's rating to a buy.
RBA set to push rate decision to next year
4:34PM The Reserve Bank of Australia is set to hold the cash rate at a record low of 1.5 per cent on Tuesday, as it awaits improvement in wages growth.
NZD little changed on US tax reform, Flynn
3:27PM The Kiwi dollar was little changed as traders digested progress on US tax reform and news about Michael Flynn.
Countdown to Brexit breakthrough?
2:08PM British PM Theresa May meets with EC president Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday. If the lunch meeting goes well, what comes next along the Brexit path.
Investors stay in for fear of missing out
2:08PM It's the fear of missing out on a sustained rally seems to be keeping investors in the market and ignoring the risks in the political sphere.
Rio Tinto appoints Simon Thompson as chair
9:59AM Former Anglo-American Plc executive Simon Thompson will replace Jan du Plessis as mining giant Rio Tinto's chairman.
CVS to buy Aetna for $US69 billion
8:43AM American pharmacy chain CVS will buy Aetna for $US69 billion in a cash and stock deal that will tap the insurance giant for new customers.
China shutdowns help lift lead, zinc
8:43AM Lead and zinc prices have hit multi-week highs amid supply concerns as China pushes on with pollution inspections as demand for battery lead increases.
Oil up but off highs as Flynn news spooks
8:43AM Oil is up despite slipping after news that former US security adviser Michael Flynn had admitted lying to the FBI and would testify against Trump hits markets.
ASX response to US tax reform uncertain
10:39AM The Australian share market is tipped to open the week in positive territory, though it's unclear exactly how it will respond to progress in US tax reform.
Telstra cuts FY18 guidance on NBN delay
5:33PM Telstra has cut its guidance for FY18 earnings and revenue after NBN Co announced it will temporarily suspend the rollout of the national broadband network.
Getswift shares soar on Amazon deal
2:57PM Shares in logistics software company GetSwift have soared on news it has struck separate agreements with Amazon and fast food giant Yum!.
A review of the week's economic data
2:40PM A review of this week's economic data, November 27 to December 1.
Downgrade sucks Godfreys to all-time low
2:14PM Godfreys shares are at an all-time low after the vacuum cleaner seller cut its forecast earnings and warned of delays in its franchise rollout.
Smiggle to hit $450m in sales by FY2020
1:23PM Colourful children's stationery chain Smiggle is expected to exceed $450 million in revenue by the 2020 financial year, Solomon Lew says.
Euro zone economy is full of surprises
12:09PM The euro zone's economic has flown past growth forecasts in 2017, partly due to ECB stimulus. But not everything is rosy, economists warn.
Manufacturing growth rebounds in November
11:31AM The Ai Group's Performance of Manufacturing Index rose to 57.3 points in November - well above the 50-point level separating expansion from contraction.
OPEC, Russia agree to extend cuts to
11:30AM OPEC has agreed to cap Nigeria and Libya output at 2017 levels, while Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih says talk of ending the curb is premature.
Deficit worries roil US tax bill debate
11:30AM The US Republican's tax reform legislation has been roiled in the Senate by fears of its impact on the nation's $US20 trillion debt.
ACCC won't ask for Tatts-Tabcorp review
10:00AM The ACCC still thinks the Tabcorp-Tatts merger will lessen competition but says there are no legal grounds on which it can contest the ACT's decision.
Vango to develop K2 gold deposit
9:01AM Vango Mining will commence development work at the K2 gold deposit at the Plutonic Dome gold project in preparation of mining operations.
Robo passes prior year revenue in November
9:01AM Robo 3D has passed full year prior revenue within the first five months of new financial year, and prior to the Black Friday sales weekend.
Aristocrat acquires Big Fish Games
9:01AM Aristocrat Leisure will acquire 100% of social gaming company Big Fish Games for US$990 million (A$1.31b) in cash.
Duxton to add water entitlements
9:01AM Duxton Water directors have endorsed a debt facility to assist in the acquisition of further water entitlement within its targeted portfolio.
Winmar appoints director & chairman
9:01AM Winmar Resources has appointed Jason Brewer as non-executive director and chairman.
HotCopper adds Corporate Spotlight clients
9:01AM HotCopper Holdings has signed up 25+ new ASX-listed clients to HotCopper Corporate Spotlight in the quarter to date.
Oroton collapses into administration
3:35PM Luxury handbag retailer Oroton has appointed voluntary administrators after a review failed to find recapitalisation or sale options.
Tabcorp, CrownBet to settle differences
1:08PM TabCorp and CrownBet have settled differences over the $11 billion merger between the former and Tatts Group.
Nearly half of Americans oppose tax bill
12:24PM Opposition to the Republican's tax reform bill has grown, with a poll showing that almost half of Americans (49 per cent) are against it.
CIMIC's Leighton gets $390m HK contract
10:24AM CIMIC Group's Leighton Asia joint venture has secured a $390 million contract for construction work at Hong Kong international airport.
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