WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar is weaker against the greenback, which has risen after the head of the US Federal Reserve hinted a December interest rate liftoff was likely.
At 0630 AEDT on Thursday, the currency was trading at 71.48 US cents, down from 72.08 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open fractionally higher following falls on Wall Street after US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the central bank could lift interest rates at its December meeting.
At 0645 AEDT on Thursday, the December share price index futures contract was up three points at 5,220.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen says US economic activity remains solid and the Fed could decide to increase interest rates at its December meeting.
WASHINGTON - The vast US services sector rebounded in October with a broad pick-up in activity after two months of declines, the Institute for Supply Management says.
WASHINGTON - The US trade deficit narrowed more sharply than expected in September as imports shrank amid slowing growth in the US and global economy, official data shows.
WASHINGTON - Moody's has hit embattled German carmaker Volkswagen with a credit downgrade, saying the company's reputation and earnings are at risk from the growing emissions cheating scandal.
FRANKFURT - Shares in Volkswagen have taken a fresh battering after a massive pollution scandal engulfing the company widened to include petrol as well as diesel engines.
LONDON - British retailer Marks and Spencer, regarded as a barometer of UK consumer demand, has posted sliding net profit on tumbling clothing sales and a poor international performance.
TOKYO - Japan Post has skyrocketed on its trading debut after the biggest initial public offering this year, lifting hopes that privatising what is effectively the world's largest bank will boost Tokyo's faltering growth blitz.
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