WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar is lower after the minutes of the US Federal Reserve's October policy meeting showed that it could reduce its economic stimulus program in the coming months.
At 0630 AEDT on Thursday, the local unit was trading at 93.40 US cents, down from 93.96 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open flat after falls on international markets despite better-than-expected US retail figures.
At 0645 AEDT on Thursday, the December share price index futures contract was up three points at 5,315.
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ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - Federal Reserve policy makers expected at their October meeting that they would begin cutting the stimulus program "in coming months", the minutes of that meeting show.
WASHINGTON - US consumer prices fell 0.1 per cent in October, bringing the 12-month gain to a mere 1.0 per cent, the lowest annual inflation pace in four years.
WASHINGTON - US retail sales rose more than expected in October as consumers increased spending despite the government shutdown during the first half of the month.
WASHINGTON - Fewer Americans bought existing homes in October, as higher mortgage rates, the 16-day partial government shutdown and a limited supply of homes reduced sales.
LONDON - Bank of England policy makers have voted unanimously to keep monetary policy unchanged, despite growing signs that Europe's third-largest economy is on the mend.
NEW YORK - Media baron Rupert Murdoch and his wife Wendi Deng have reached a divorce settlement.
DUBAI - US aerospace giant Boeing has announced up to $US101.5 billion ($A107.9 billion) in aircraft orders at the Dubai Air Show, as its new 777X model propelled total demand to more than twice that booked by European rival Airbus.
MOLINE, Illinois - Deere & Co's fourth-quarter net income has risen 17 per cent as it raised prices for its farm and construction equipment.
