Finance news you need to know today

UNILEVER has fired a warning shot at tech firms that fail to counter fake news, threatening to pull lucrative advertising.

THE Australian share market looks set to open higher, taking its lead from Wall Street which has lifted for its second consecutive session. At 0700 AEDT on Tuesday, the share price futures index was up 34 points, or 0.59 per cent, at 5,775.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar has climbed firmly back above 78 US levels. The local currency was trading at 78.42 US cents at 0700 AEDT on Tuesday, from 78.35 on Monday.

WORLD FINANCE UPDATE:

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has unveiled a long-awaited infrastructure plan that asks the US Congress to authorise $US200 billion over 10 years to stimulate $US1.5 trillion in improvements paid for by states, localities and private investors.

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has proposed a budget that calls for cuts in domestic programs and seeks a sharp increase in military spending and funding for a wall on the Mexican border.

LONDON — 21st Century Fox has offered to shield Sky News from Rupert Murdoch’s influence and ensure its future for five years in an attempt to push through a GBP11.7 billion ($A22.9 billion) takeover bid for Sky.

LONDON — Britain’s Serious Fraud Office has charged Barclays Bank over a $US3 billion ($A4.2 billion) loan given to the state of Qatar as part of a side deal linked to its emergency fundraising in 2008.

LONDON — Unilever has fired a warning shot at tech firms that fail to counter fake news and fraud online, threatening to pull lucrative advertising if companies allow their platforms to “breed division”.

MANILA — More than 370 Filipino workers in Kuwait have returned to the Philippines where the government has formally imposed a total ban on deployment to the Gulf state after reports of abuse.

MONDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

JB HI-FI — JB Hi-Fi shares have slumped despite a big lift in first-half profit after the home electronics and entertainment retailer warned of margin pressures and issued lower than expected guidance.

NBN CO — Congestion on the national broadband network has eased as more customers turn to higher speed plans after NBN Co slashed its top speed packages last year.

ANSELL — Protective gloves and clothing supplier Ansell has lifted its full-year outlook for earnings per share from its continuing businesses and says the group is well placed for growth from existing operations, and acquisitions.

AURIZON — Aurizon Holdings first-half profit has jumped 52 per cent from the previous corresponding period, when its accounts were weighed down by impairments and one-off items.

BENDIGO — Bendigo and Adelaide bank has lifted first-half cash profit 10.7 per cent to $225.3 million in a performance boosted by mortgage rate rises and an increase in residential lending.

HOUSING PRICES — Auction volumes across Australia’s combined capital cities have lifted from their post-Christmas pause, but Sydney home values fell 0.2 per cent.

AMCOR — Global packaging company Amcor has lifted its half-year net profit 15 per cent to $US329.7 million ($A461.6 million) thanks to expanded margins, strong returns and progress on key investments.