Australia's jobless rate jumped to 5.6 percent in March, its highest rate in more than three years, data showed Thursday, adding to the chances of a further interest rate cut.

China and Australia will begin direct conversion of their currencies in a sign of growing business links, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Monday on an official visit.

Australia's flag carrier Qantas on Wednesday announced closer links with China Eastern Airlines to try to shore up traffic to Asia following the launch of its partnership with Emirates.

Australian central bank Governor Glenn Stevens was Wednesday appointed for a further three years at the top, with Treasurer Wayne Swan praising his role in the economy's recession-beating performance.

Australia's central bank kept interest rates on hold at 3 percent Tuesday, saying global downside risks appeared to have eased but domestic pressures were lingering.

Australia's central bank kept interest rates on hold at 3 percent Tuesday, saying global downside risks appeared to have eased but domestic pressures were lingering.

Slovenia's economy will contract more than previously expected this year, the central bank said Tuesday, forecasting gross domestic product to shrink by 1.9 percent.

Treasurer Wayne Swan on Friday hailed Fitch's decision to affirm Australia's AAA credit rating, saying it highlighted the economy's underlying strength.

Australia's competition regulator gave Qantas Airways Ltd. and Emirates final approval Wednesday to form a five-year global alliance, with special conditions for flights across the Tasman Sea.

China's Suntech, one of the world's biggest producers of solar panels, declared itself bankrupt on Wednesday, the official Xinhua News Agency said.