WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:
The Australian dollar has dropped back amid growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve could begin tapering its economic stimulus program as early as next week.
At 0630 AEDT on Thursday, the local unit was trading at 90.69 US cents, down from 91.31 cents on Wednesday.
And the Australian share market looks set to open lower following falls on international bourses after US politicians reached a budget deal.
At 0648 AEDT on Thursday, the December share price index futures contract was down 14 points at 5,101.
ELSEWHERE:
WASHINGTON - The US government ran a much smaller deficit through the first two months of the budget year than last year, signalling further improvement in America's finances.
ROME - Italy's borrowing costs rose slightly in a 12-month bond auction that raised 5.5 billion euros ($A8.3 billion) as Prime Minister Enrico Letta promised to slash public debt to reduce high interest payments.
ATHENS - Greece has resumed talks with its international creditors, whose report on the country's progress in implementing reforms will determine the release of a vital slice from its rescue loans.
ANKARA - Turkey, struggling to ward off pressures on its economy, has reported that its current account deficit took a sharp turn for the worse in the first 10 months of the year.
DUBLIN - Many of the world's leading tech companies call Ireland home, providing a boost for the cash-strapped nation, but huge employment opportunities are being missed as the country marks the end of its bailout.
YANGON - Leading Myanmar companies have called on China to improve investment practices in its impoverished neighbour, amid increasing scrutiny of Beijing's sometimes controversial projects.
LONDON - Royal Bank of Scotland has agreed to pay $US100 million ($A110 million) in fines to settle sanctions-busting allegations with American authorities.
OTTAWA - Canada's postal service says it will phase out door-to-door mail delivery and cut staff in response to falling volumes and big financial losses.
MOSCOW - Russia's Central Bank has adopted an official symbol for the national currency, the ruble, which has been approved in a public vote.
