WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar is three quarters of a US cent higher after the release of some disappointing US economic data.
At 0630 AEST on Thursday, the currency was trading at 76.76 US cents, up from 76.00 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open higher after a rally in petroleum-linked equities helped lift US stocks following mixed earnings and economic data.
At 0645 AEST on Thursday, the June share price index futures contract was up 35 points at 5,934.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - Most regions of the US economy expanded in recent weeks, and there was "modest" upward pressure on wages and overall prices, the Federal Reserve says in a report.
FRANKFURT - The European Central Bank has dismissed speculation of an early end to its ultra-easy money policy at a protest-marred press conference, saying its medicine is already fuelling economic recovery.
PARIS - Standard and Poor's has cut its long-term credit rating for Greece by one notch to CCC+, a level at which borrowers are considered as being vulnerable to default, saying it needs further reforms and help.
PARIS - France has unveiled a nine billion euro ($A12.57 billion) savings plan over two years as it battles to reduce its budget deficit to below European Union limits.
WASHINGTON - US industrial production fell sharply in March, pulled down by lower utility output as bad winter weather faded, the Federal Reserve says.
OTTAWA - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a deal to buy more than 3000 tonnes of Canadian uranium over the next five years to fuel his country's power reactors.
NEW YORK - Bank of America has reported higher quarterly profits on lower expenses, although results in key lending operations were mixed.
BRUSSELS - The European Union has formally charged Google with abusing its dominant position as Europe's top search engine, laying the US internet giant open to a massive fine of more than $US6 billion ($A7.87 billion).
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