Banking shares continued to push the US market higher overnight, despite resources and industrial sectors were hurt by worries that China may tighten its policy to cool the overheating economy after the country's latest inflation data.

Iron Road Limited (ASX:IRD) said that all approvals are in place for commencement of the Company's maiden drilling programme to investigate potential for direct shipping ore at the Gawler Iron Project.

BEN announced that Fitch Ratings Services has upgraded the credit rating outlook it assigns to BEN.

The Australian market has received flat to positive leads from overseas markets overnight, with Wall Street edging into positive territory in late afternoon trade, and precious and base metals higher, although oil was marginally virtually flat.

European shares slipped after Chinese inflation data raised concerns that the country would move toward a monetary tightening bias.

US stocks were near breakeven as concerns China may move to cool its economy offset rising bank shares.

U.S. stocks climbed Thursday, lifting the Standard & Poor's 500 to a 17-month high as bullish comments from Citigroup's chief executive lifted the financial sector and boosted investor sentiment for a broad range of companies including Walt Disney and Home Depot.

Citigroup\'s successful preferred issue has provided relief, but stocks are still struggling to find impetus despite a late burst. Dow up 44.

The AMP\'s chief economist, Dr Shane Oliver says there is a distinct cloud hanging over the return outlook for government...

Atlas Iron Limited (ASX:AGO) and Aurox Resources Limited (ASX:AXO) (PINK:AUOXF) have reached agreement for the two company to merge by way of scheme of arrangement.

If investors ever feel the urge to discount the importance of timing, a look at the graph published by Glushkin Sheff\'s Dave Rosenberg should cure them.

U.S. stocks crept higher Wednesday, led by the financial sector, with Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase and American International Group among the gainers.

The Dow went nowhere while the S&P and Nasdaq headed north last night. A new phase? Dow up 3.

The gulf between Australia and the US has again been underlined. Australia is booming, America is struggling.

Inflation has begun to rear its ugly head in China, adding pressure to the government\'s need to reduce stimulus.

After a few rounds of gains, the share market dips lower due to weak materials and property sectors.

Asian shares could see a flat start on Wednesday while Wall Street closed slightly higher overnight. Steelmakers and resource stocks are expected to suffer declines around the region follow commodities prices dropped.

Galaxy Resources Limited said it has commenced exploration on its West Kundip manganese project tenements with the completion of a VTEM airborne electromagnetic survey.

Prices seldom fall forever, not even for uranium.