Finance news you need to know today

THE Dow Jones is trading above 20,000 for the first time, as Wall Street resumes a rally that began in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory.

HERE are six things making news in business and finance today.

1. SYDNEY — The Australian dollar is higher against the greenback which has weakened on fears that protectionism will hurt global trade and growth. At 0635 AEDT on Thursday, the Australian dollar was worth 75.55 US cents, up from 75.37 on Wednesday.

2. SYDNEY — The Australian stock market is closed on Thursday for the Australia Day public holiday. Trading resumes on Friday.

3. NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading above 20,000 for the first time, as Wall Street resumes a rally that began in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s surprise election victory.

4. LONDON — Prime Minister Theresa May says she’ll publish her plan for Britain’s exit from the European Union, as described in a speech last week, in a formal ‘White Paper’ document to allow parliament to scrutinise it.

5. LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May says any trade deal agreed with the United States will put British interests and values first.

6. TOKYO — Japan posted its first trade surplus in six years in 2016 thanks to a rebound in exports late in the year and persisting low oil prices, though uncertainties over US policy and global growth are overshadowing the recovery.