Australian stocks opened higher, extending gains in the previous session. Futures show, Japan stocks to open higher. Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and China markets are closed for Lunar New Year holidays.

Economists polled by Reuters expect Australia's inflation to rise 2.5% in the 12 months to the December quarter, from 2.8% in the previous year.

Israel urged Australia to do more to halt an "epidemic of antisemitism" in the country as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was doing all it could to combat attacks that he says include domestic terrorism.

Could US rules limiting high-end chip sales to China have fuelled the development of superior AI? Investors say the Chinese start-up should be closely watched.

Australia has been grappling with a spate of antisemitic attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza war in late 2023.

Have you tried bathing in coriander broth? How about throwing mandarins to flowing body of water? These are a few of Asia's unique Lunar New Year traditions.

Beneath the fertile farmlands of Victoria in south-east Australia lie deposits of mineral sands that miners and politicians are keen to tap for rare-earth elements, ingredients in everything from EV batteries to wind turbines to advanced weapons.

Denmark-based sales agency LevelK has acquired Asia and Australia-New Zealand rights to Second World War thriller Nr. 24, after the film’s successful run at the Norwegian box office.

Rugby Australia wants Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt's signature on a contract extension by the start of the Super Rugby competition on Feb. 14, Chief Executive Phil Waugh said on Thursday.Schmidt is cur

GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 30, (AP): Sri Lanka was staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest-ever total in Asia - 654-6 declared - on day two of the first test on Thursday. Fatigued after spending five and a half sessions fielding under the scorching sun, Sri Lanka’s batting resistance was minimal.

654/6 declared by Australia is the highest total for them in Tests in Asia, surpassing 617 against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1980, their only other 600+ total in these shores. It is also the second highest by a visiting team in Sri Lanaka behind India's 707 at Colombo SSC in 2010.