Finance news you need to know today

THE US has accused Fiat Chrysler of failing to disclose software in some of its diesel cars that allows them to emit more pollution than allowed.

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

1. SYDNEY — The Australian dollar has rallied as its US counterpart come under further pressure, amid investor concerns about US President-elect Donal Trump’s economic plans. The local currency was trading at 74.95 US cents at 0702 AEDT on Friday, up from 74.69 US cents on Thursday. It hit 75.19 US cents just after midnight.

2. SYDNEY — The Australian share market is set to open broadly flat following falls in the US, Germany, France, Italy and Asia on Thursday. At 0702 AEDT on Friday, the local SPI 200 futures contract was up three points at 5,731 points.

3. WASHINGTON — Retired US General James Mattis won overwhelming support Thursday in a first vote to allow him to run the Pentagon after telling senators he places Russia at No. 1 on his list of security threats. He also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to “break” NATO.

4. WASHINGTON — The US government accused Fiat Chrysler on Thursday of failing to disclose software in some of its pick-ups and SUVs with diesel engines that allows them to emit more pollution than allowed under the Clean Air Act.

5. WASHINGTON — The US Justice Department on Thursday said it would probe a Federal Bureau of Investigation decision to announce it was reopening an inquiry into Hillary Clinton’s emails shortly before the November presidential election, a move she has blamed as a factor in her defeat.

6. PARIS — French President Francois Hollande sought on Thursday to play down prospects for Middle East peace talks this weekend in Paris, saying only direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians could resolve the conflict.

7. JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister says an upcoming conference in Paris aimed at reviving peace talks with the Palestinians is “rigged” and Israel is not bound by the meeting.