AUSTRALIA

The prize of Sydney during the New Year's Eve celebrations is the fireworks display.

Falling petroleum prices are dragging down the stock prices of energy companies and their suppliers around the world.

The group reportedly planned to stay on the island until Monday -- a move that could trigger a strong reaction from China.

Flight MH132, flying from Auckland, New Zealand, to Kuala Lumpur, took a wrong route after confusion over the flight plan.

Oil touched $38 per barrel on Thursday after falling below $36 per barrel, an 11-year low, earlier in the week.

The climate phenomenon has wreaked havoc in countries from Australia to Vietnam, and could have implications for the global food chain.

The blaze began after lightning struck the area encompassing Separation Creek and Wye River in the state of Victoria, with its flames fanned by strong winds.

The joint venture of BHP Billiton and Vale says it also would pay $5,100 to every family whose house was destroyed because of the Brazilian mining disaster Nov. 5.

The search in the southern Indian Ocean has been the largest, most expensive aviation investigation in history, covering more than 30,000 square miles.

Australia also deported a suspected French extremist who arrived in the country two days after last month's attacks in Paris.

The decision follows widespread public outrage after the immigration department initially denied visas to Hassan Ali's family members.

Petroleum prices bounced back after an industry association reported an unexpected drop in stockpiles.

The Pentagon announced Monday that the company reached its delivery goal for F-35 jets this year.

Mining giant BHP Billiton also raised the death toll from November's accident to 17 and said it will continue to relocate displaced people.

A late U.S. rally fueled by Apple, Microsoft and other technology companies also boosted investor sentiment.

Federal health officials said Monday that gay men can donate blood only if they have not had sex with other men within 12 months — sparking criticism.

Office supply retailer Staples had offered to divest up to $1.25 billion of commercial contracts.

Chinese consumers of wine, meat and smartphones are expected to benefit, but some in Australia are worried of the trade deal's impact on the country's labor sector.

James Packer's Crown Resorts owns a third of Melco Crown, whose Macau operations have suffered from China's crackdown on corruption.

Oil extended declines on Friday, resulting in a third weekly loss, dragging energy and other commodity stocks.

Taiwan unexpectedly cut interest rates, citing slowing global growth.