WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar remains above 88 US cents after inflation figures came in stronger than expected, making another cash rate cut highly unlikely.
At 0630 AEDT on Thursday, the Australian dollar was trading at 88.47 US cents, down from 88.59 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open lower following a negative lead from Wall Street despite strong performances on most other international markets.
At 0645 AEDT on Thursday, the March share price index futures contract was down 24 points at 5,256.
ELSEWHERE:
JOHANNESBURG - Two of the world's three leading platinum producers said they would begin shuttering operations Wednesday, the eve of a mass strike which owners fear could spark violence.
DAVOS - Top bosses and economists have warned the global elite not to get over-excited by a gradual economic upturn in Europe, which one chief executive branded an "emerging country".
DAVOS - A free trade agreement appears closer but whaling was again left off the agenda when Tony Abbott met with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at the World Economic Forum.
LONDON - Britain's economic recovery has won further traction as official data revealed a faster-than-expected drop in unemployment alongside a reduction of the country's deficit.
ISTANBUL - The Turkish lira has sunk to yet another record low against the euro, the day after the central bank decided against hiking interest rates to prop up the currency.
MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin has dismissed growing speculation about an imminent currency devaluation as the Russian rouble hit five-year lows amid growing capital outflows and diminishing central bank support.
SINGAPORE - Asian banks are well capitalised to withstand risks arising from an end to the US central bank's massive stimulus program, credit ratings firm Moody's says.
NEW YORK - Texas Instruments says it will eliminate 1,100 jobs worldwide as the chipmaker moves away from slow-growing segments.
STOCKHOLM - Swedish steelmaker SSAB says it will acquire Finnish competitor Rautaruukki, hoping to reduce costs and boost competitiveness in the sluggish steel market.
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