Finance news you need to know today

IF YOU thought the Australian film industry was dead, you probably haven’t seen the zombie flick that’s set to spark an on-demand revolution.

Homegrown zombie flick Me and My Mates Versus the Zombie is expected to give the Australian film industry a boost. Source: AAP

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

1. SYDNEY — A homegrown zombie movie is being tipped to help resurrect an ailing Australian film industry by using social media to attract crowds. The horror schlock indie comedy Me and My Mates Versus the Zombie is being released through Tugg, cinema-on-demand company that launched in February, which relies on social media networks to sell tickets.

2. SYDNEY — The world’s largest theatre management company is making a play for the Australian market, kicking off with an upgrade of Sydney’s Theatre Royal. UK-based Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) is the new operator of the famous venue at the city’s MLC Centre, which will be refurbished as part of a lease agreement.

3. BRISBANE — A recent legal roadblock won’t quash Indian mining giant Adani’s plans for a giant coalmine in central Queensland, the state government says.

4. SYDNEY — A surge in the number of women looking for work has been blamed for pushing Australia’s unemployment rate up to a 13-year high of 6.3 per cent, despite more than 160,000 jobs having been created so far this year.

5. PERTH — Mining giant Rio Tinto will make deeper cost cuts and slash spending after plunging iron ore prices caused a massive fall in half year profit.

6. SYDNEY — A weaker-than-expected profit from ANZ and its $3 billion capital raising have sparked a massive sell-off of shares in the banking sector.

7. BRISBANE — New Zealand retailer Briscoe has criticised Kathmandu’s profit forecasts as unrealistic after the outdoor wear chain rejected its takeover offer.

8. MELBOURNE — Fresh concerns over Slater and Gordon’s recently acquired UK business sent the law firm’s shares on a wild ride and left the market awaiting explanation.

9. SYDNEY — Australia Post is facing a $500 million loss due to the collapse in the number of letters it handles, but the company has received a much-needed shot in the arm from the weaker Aussie dollar.

10. CANBERRA — The financial services industry has warned that 80 per cent of Australians will still be accessing either the full or part pension by 2050.