The Reserve Bank has taken on board market expectations of an interest rate cut in 2015, but has given no indication yet that it is considering such a move.

Retailers fear the siege in Sydney could further dampen already subdued consumer sentiment in the countdown to Christmas.

US stocks rallied, giving the Standard & Poor's 500 Index its biggest gain since October 2013, as energy shares rebounded and the Federal Reserve said it will be patient on the timing of interest-rate increases.

Global cosmetics giant Sephora claimed its arrival marked the end of price gouging in Australia, but it's not living up to its promises of lower prices in Australia.

Sliding iron ore prices are rattling some of Downer EDI's investors amid concerns over the contractor's exposure to the iron ore market though a $3 billion contract for Fortescue Metals Group.