INSURANCE Australia Group (IAG) could be poised to announce massive writedowns from its UK operations of up to $200 million, which may force it to cut its final dividend.

BARGAIN hunters pushed the share market into positive territory this morning, as they snapped up deals in the local resources sector.

IRON ore miner Murchison Metals has advised the Australian stock exchange (ASX) that it cannot explain some unusual trading in its shares in the past week.

WORLD oil prices held steady near record highs Friday, driven by supply worries and a weak dollar, analysts said.

ST George Bank has lifted its standard variable home loan rate by 20 basis points to 9.67 per cent, independently of the central bank.

ORIGIN Energy, Australia's second largest power retailer, has formally rejected a $13.7 billion takeover bid from BG Group.