WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar has sagged after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a possible December interest rate rise, sparking fresh investor uncertainty.
At 0630 AEDT on Friday, the currency was trading at 70.75 US cents, down from 71.03 cents on Thursday.
The Australian market looks set to open lower after European stocks fell and Wall Street traded flat as investors digested the Federal Reserve's post-rate decision statement.
At 0645 AEDT on Friday, the share price index futures contract was down 12 points at 5,528.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - The US economy grew at a slower pace in the third quarter as exports and private inventory investment fell, the Commerce Department says.
NEW YORK - Botox-maker Allergan says it has been approached by US pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer about a friendly merger deal that could easily top $US100 billion ($A140.9 billion) in value.
PARIS - A recovery in European markets has helped French carmaker Renault beat analyst expectations with a 9.4 per cent increase in third quarter sales to 9.3 billion euros ($A14.3 billion).
COPENHAGEN - The world's largest insulin maker, Novo Nordisk, has raised its annual profit guidance after net profit jumped by 29 per cent in the third quarter.
PARIS - Air France-KLM profits took off in the third quarter, boosted by low fuel prices and heavy summer travel, but the airline says it will continue on its cost-cutting course despite protests by employees.
HELSINKI - Finnish telecom group Nokia has raised its full-year outlook as it posted better-than-expected third quarter earnings, sending the company's share price soaring by over nine per cent.
PARIS - French telecoms equipment firm Alcatel-Lucent has posted major third-quarter losses, but its stock price rose thanks to its imminent tie-up with Nokia.
FRANKFURT - German chemicals and pharmaceuticals giant Bayer, maker of Aspirin painkiller, says it is sticking to its forecast of higher full-year sales and profits after a strong third quarter.
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