Finance news you need to know today

FRENCH President Francois Hollande says he will not seek a second term in office in the presidential election in 2017, an unprecedented move.

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

1. SYDNEY — The Australian dollar is barely changed against its US counterpart, which eased slightly after oil prices pushed higher following a deal to trim production. At 0630 AEDT on Friday, the local unit was trading at 74.18 US cents, compared to 74.17 cents on Thursday.

2. SYDNEY — The Australian stock market looks set to open flat with Wall Street mixed and European stocks ending lower as oil prices surged to a 16-month high on the heels of OPEC’s agreement to cut output. At 0645 AEDT on Friday, the share price index was down four points at 5,498.

3. WASHINGTON — More Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, but claims are still at low levels that point to greater job security.

4. WASHINGTON — American factories expanded for the third straight month in November, another good sign for the American economy.

5. AMMAN — The world’s population grew slightly to 7.4 billion in 2016, the UN says, with a substantial youth bulge challenging political and social systems across the planet.

6. PARIS — French President Francois Hollande says he will not seek a second term in office in the presidential election in 2017, an unprecedented move that leaves the way open for other left-wing candidates.

7. WASHINGTON — The US Senate has passed a 10-year extension of existing sanctions against Iran, sending the measure to the White House for President Barack Obama to sign into law and delaying any potentially tougher actions until next year.