WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar has lost some ground following a quiet weekend of trade.
At 0700 AEST on Monday, the local unit was trading at 72.23 US cents, down from 72.39 cents on Friday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open flat, despite positive leads from major international markets.
At 0645 AEST on Monday, the share price index was up three points at 5,360.
ELSEWHERE:
ATHENS - Greek lawmakers have approved tax increases and a new privatisation fund and freed up the sale of non-performing loans in exchange for much-needed bailout loans and debt relief.
LONDON - International financial messaging service SWIFT has told clients to share information on attacks on the system to help prevent hacking, after criminals used SWIFT messages to steal $US81 million ($A112 million) from the Bangladesh central bank.
SENDAI, Japan - A rift on fiscal policy and currencies has set the stage for G7 advanced economies to agree on a "go-your-own-way" response to address risks hindering global economic growth as their finance leaders' meet.
SENDAI, Japan - Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has said that some Group of Seven financial leaders have expressed support for a British exit from the European Union, a remark quickly retracted by his staff.
PARIS - Hundreds of petrol stations are facing shortages in France as protests over a labour law reform have led to a fall in refinery output and blockades that have hampered fuel supply and prompted consumer panic.
PARIS - Oil workers from the hardline French CGT union have voted to shut down production at Total's Normandy refinery and to prolong the strike at Grandpuits refinery for 72 hours, a union official says.
WASHINGTON - Midwestern homebuyers helped spark a national increase in real estate sales during April, a sign that demand for housing remains steady despite rising prices and tight inventories.
SHANGHAI - Four Chinese investor groups are locked in a more than $US140 million ($A190 million) bidding war for one of the world's most powerful soccer agencies, UK-based Stellar Group, a source says, a sign that China's appetite for sport is outgrowing trophy club investments.
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