WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar is stronger, shrugging off strength from the greenback after the US service sector hit a 10-year high.
At 0630 AEST on Thursday, the currency was trading at 73.57 US cents, up from 73.49 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open higher after US stocks finished mostly higher following mixed economic data, but a disappointing earnings report from Disney weighed on the Dow.
At 0645 AEST on Thursday, the September share price index futures contract was up 14 points at 5,626.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - The US markets regulator has backed a rule requiring big companies to disclose the pay gap ratio between chief executives and workers, amid rising concerns about the nation's income inequality.
WASHINGTON - The US economy's service sector grew sharply in July, expanding 4.3 per cent to reach a record high.
WASHINGTON - The US trade deficit increased in June as solid consumer spending pulled in more imports, while the strong dollar restrained exports.
HONG KONG - Asia-focused British bank Standard Chartered says profits plunged in the first half of the year and slashed dividends by 50 per cent.
THE HAGUE - Top Dutch bank ING has posted a rise in second quarter net profits but the increase was due to the sale of an Indian unit, leaving its shares sliding in morning trading.
LONDON - Britons famously love their tea but sales have fallen by more than a fifth since 2010, driven by a shift away from the traditional cuppa, a report says.
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