AUSTRALIA

Large banks will likely pare back their private equity-related operations in anticipation of the so-called Volcker rule, despite it being unclear if it will be adopted, the co-founder of Carlyle Group said on Wednesday.

European nations finally gave some public indications this week that they may orchestrate some sort of bailout for Greece as investors grow increasingly concerned.

Computer hackers disabled several Australian government websites Wednesday in coordinated attacks protesting against a planned internet filter aimed at pornography.

A rally for U.S. stock markets stalled on Monday after a German official rejected reports that the nation's lawmakers had decided to offer aid for Greece.

McDonald's Corp beat expectations with a 2.6 percent increase in January sales at established restaurants, as overseas results overcame a sluggish performance in the United States.

McDonald's Corp posted an expectations-topping 2.6 percent increase in January sales at established restaurants, as overseas results overshadowed a sluggish performance in the United States.

McDonald's Corp posted an expectations-topping 2.6 percent increase in January sales at established restaurants, as overseas results overshadowed a sluggish performance in the United States.

U.S. stock markets rallied today as investors increasingly expect the European Union to offer some sort of assistance for Greece.

Euro zone assets recovered some poise on Tuesday as markets bet the European Union would take steps to restore confidence in struggling members like Greece at a summit this week.

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet is cutting short a trip to Australia to attend a special European Union summit, prompting market speculation initiatives are in the works to help resolve Greece's debt problems.

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet is changing his plans to leave Australia and return to Europe purely because of logistics, an ECB spokesman said on Tuesday.

Stock futures rose on Tuesday, pointing to a higher start for Wall Street after sharp falls in the previous session, but with some caution expected to persist over euro zone debt concerns.

Macquarie Group , Australia's top investment bank, forecast a disappointing second-half profit and gave an outlook that raised worries about its key equity business, sending its shares sliding 7 percent.

Asian shares broadly rose on Tuesday, led by Taiwan and South Korea, and the euro staged a small rebound from its recent drubbing, but Japan and Australia fell as investor sentiment remained weak on euro zone fiscal concerns.

Macquarie Group , Australia's top investment bank, spooked investors on Tuesday with a lukewarm outlook, warning them about weakening markets and sending its shares down 6 percent.

Most often bridges make us wonder how technology made possible their construction. They are a means of getting from one point to another but although we walk or drive on them (almost) daily, we don't always stop to admire them.

Australia's BHP Billiton named Chris Campbell as president of the firm's iron ore business on Monday, the second major management reshuffle among top miners in the country focused on soaring demand from China.

Australian wealth manager AMP Ltd has let its exclusive deal with French insurer AXA SA expire for a joint $11 billion buy of AXA Asia Pacific Holdings, paving the way for rival bidder National Australia Bank to start talks with the French.

According to the researchers in Australia, there is a strong link between omega-3 fatty acids and the level of zinc in the brain.

Private equity firms are again being threatened with higher taxes, as a long-running debate over how to classify their profits again becomes a focus for governments desperate for cash.

The Aussie dollar remained relatively range bound on Friday bouncing between 0.8650 and 0.8700 for the majority of the Asian session.