Insights

Qantas has confirmed that it will inject another $60 million into Jetstar Japan as a weaker yen pushes up the budget airline's fuel bill and its plans to establish a second base are delayed.

Mining juggernaut Newcrest nearly saw off a pesky legal challenge to its flagship Cadia operations on Wednesday when the NSW government tried to whisk through retrospective legislation late in the evening.

Watchdog's close watch on pennies

The Senate inquiry into the performance of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission will conclude that ASIC needs to be a more proactive and effective corporate law enforcer, and the recommendations ASIC put to it on Thursday will nudge it in that direction if they are adopted.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating allegations that News Corporation Australia's Geelong Advertiser has engaged in predatory pricing activities since the arrival of rival The Weekly Review.

Boral has warned of continued sluggish demand and the drag of its local building materials and US arms on earnings, with the US not expected to move into the black until late in the financial year.

Speculative fever gripped parts of the biotech market on Thursday, with steep share price rises for two companies amid optimism for research progress.

Handbags and fashion accessories company Oroton has inked a deal with US apparel chain Gap Inc that could see it open 20 Gap stores within the next 10 years, as well as cherry pick from other Gap brands for the local market, including the Banana Republic and Old Navy labels.

Australia's biggest independent wealth manager, Perpetual, has reported a turnaround for its flagship funds management arm, and forecast an improvement in first-half profit.

The ACCC says it still harbours concerns over Murray Goulburn's proposed acquisition of the hotly pursued Warrnambool Cheese & Butter company.

Kirin's Lion may use its 10 percent stake in the Victorian dairy asset to secure a favourable supply contract with Saputo, if the Canadian bid succeeds.

The holders of the nickel miner's debt may take no action against the company after it missed an interest payment, while bankers consider a debt-for-equity swap asset sale.

A suggested $1 billion price tag for the petrol station and fuel import terminal assets may be an overreach.

The company plans to raise $8 million via a share sale.

The company is developing a head-lice treatment as it eyes a market with $1 billion potential.

Local market little changed as some investors switch from banks to staples.