WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar has edged higher after global markets stabilised overnight and China's stock market closed less than half a per cent lower ahead of a national holiday.
At 0630 AEST on Thursday, the currency was trading at 70.31 US cents, up from 70.24 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open higher after Wall Street rose with investors piling back into blue chips and tech stocks as a Federal Reserve report depicted steady US economic growth.
At 0645 AEST on Thursday, the September share price index futures contract was up 35 points at 5,085.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - The US economy has stuck to its modest pace in recent months but companies have complained that China's slowdown and the strong dollar are hurting business.
WASHINGTON - New orders for US manufactured goods edged higher in July after a solid increase in June, led by gains for boats and ships, the Commerce Department says.
WASHINGTON - The US private sector saw a slight bump in job growth in August, keeping in line with the year's trend in an improving labour market, payroll firm ADP says.
JAKARTA - International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde says Asian economies are doing "pretty well" despite the volatility created by China's slowdown and unease on global financial markets.
LONDON - The European Commission has given its approval for Royal Dutch Shell's planned acquisition of Britain's BG Group in a deal that must also be cleared by Australian and Chinese regulators.
COPENHAGEN - The world's largest toy maker Lego has reported a jump in first half profit and sales, underpinned by strong growth in Asia.
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