Australia’s central bank leaves interest rate at 3 percent, cites improving global economy

SYDNEY — Australia’s central bank left its key interest rate unchanged for the third month at 3 percent Tuesday, citing a stabilizing global situation and stronger-than-expected domestic economy.

Australian government welcomes International Monetary Fund endorsement of stimulus spending

CANBERRA, Australia — The government, criticized for sinking Australia too deep into debt with spending to boost the economy, on Thursday welcomed an International Monetary Fund endorsement of its quick response to the global economic slump.

Australia’s jobless rate rises to 7-year high of 5.7 percent as companies cut workers

CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s unemployment rate rose to a seven-year high of 5.7 percent in May, government figures showed Thursday, reflecting job cuts at companies amid the slump.

Unemployment in Australia slipped in April to 5.4 percent, despite expectations of a rise

SYDNEY — Australia’s jobless rate slipped marginally to 5.4 percent in April compared to March, despite widespread predictions of a further rise in unemployment because of the global economic slowdown.