Rio to sell US coal mine

5:38pm

RIO Tinto has agreed to sell the Jacobs Ranch coal mine in the US for $A1.19 billion as part of an asset-sale program to reduce debt.

Market takes a small step up

5:10pm

THE Australian stock market closed marginally higher today, buoyed by the major miners.

• Currency: Australian dollar moves higher
• Video: Sky market wrap

Glitch puts QBE shares in freefall

3:01pm

TRADES in QBE Insurance shares at $15 and below were cancelled today, after the stock registered at under one cent.

Japan posts record deficit

1:45pm

JAPAN today announced a record monthly current account deficit as the global economic downturn choked exports.

Rain affects Fortescue production

5:22pm

FORTESCUE Metals Group says heavy rain has affected mining and processing operations at its West Australian mine.

GM should seek bankruptcy - McCain

8:31am | AFP

JOHN McCain has called for General Motors to seek bankruptcy rather than Government aid as the best path to long-term recovery.

Home loans spur hopes

George Lekakis

AUSTRALIA'S largest home loan broker says Rudd's first home buyer grant has sparked a building rebound that could prevent a recession.

Rate win for business

Shani Raja

AUSTRALIA'S big four banks have caved in to industry pressure.

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Push to add super 'plum'

Peter Gosnell

RETIRE with an extra $80,000 is the plum Industry Super Network (ISN) says will be on offer.

A boom time for 'doctors'

Antonia Magee

INSOLVENCY doctors are expecting another wave of ailing companies to come calling in the next few months.

Renewable energy plan a lot of hot air

Alan Moran

TWELVE years ago, as a sop to wind farm lobbyists and green activists, the Howard government announced a "2 per cent renewable energy requirement".

Progen offers to pay for 'yes' votes

Olga Galacho

AN offer by oncology researcher Progen Pharmaceuticals to pay for shareholder votes in favour of a merger with HIV drug researcher Avexa has raised eyebrows.

JB Hi-Fi takes a big step up

JB Hi-Fi, which started as a one-store operation by a Victorian greengrocer in the 1970s, has joined the S&P;/ASX 100 list.

Herringbone doesn't lose its shirt

Antonia Magee

HIGH-END shirt and suit maker Herringbone has been rescued by the German luxury goods manufacturer van Laack.

Storm warnings vital

John Beveridge

IT MAY not be any help to the survivors of the Storm Financial tsunami but we are now starting to get some idea of the scale of the damage the collapse caused.

Terry McCrann answers your questions

HELLO Terry, I have a question for you that I have not seen answered during the global economic crisis.

• Global financial crisis: Ask Terry a question