WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar is refusing to roll over, soaring to a three-month high on the back of disappointing US economic figures.
At 0700 AEDT on Friday, the local unit was trading at 73.56 US cents, up from 73.17 cents on Thursday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open flat following three straight days of gains and after Wall Street regained ground from early losses ahead of a key jobs report.
At 0645 AEDT on Friday, the share price index futures contract was up three points at 5080.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week, but the underlying trend continues to point to a strengthening labour market.
WASHINGTON - US productivity fell in the final three months of 2015 at the sharpest pace in nearly two years, though the decline was not as large as first reported.
BRASILIA - Brazil's economy contracted sharply in 2015 as businesses slashed investment plans and laid off more than 1.5 million workers, setting the stage for what could be the country's deepest recession on record.
LONDON - Moody's Investors Service has cut BHP Billiton Plc's debt rating to "A3" from "A1", citing a deterioration in the company's earnings and cash flow.
LONDON - New York Stock Exchange owner Intercontinental Exchange Inc's potential offer for the London Stock Exchange could include a proposal to spin off the LSE's Italian business and French clearing arm, a person familiar with the matter says.
FRANKFURT - Audi's profits have taken a hit from the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, according to the company's financial results.
MOSCOW, March 3 AP - The Bank of China will give Gazprom a two billion euros ($A2.98 billion), five-year loan, the Russian state-run energy company's largest loan agreement from a single credit institution.
SAN FRANCISCO - Yahoo Inc is exploring the sale of $US1 billion ($A1.37 billion) to $US3 billion in patents, property and other "non-core assets," its chief financial officer says.
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