Summary of the AAP Finance Wire to 1400 AEST Wednesday, Oct 2.

(From AAP News)

MELBOURNE - The Australian share market was tracking sideways at noon today after a positive opening. SYDNEY - The Australian dollar is firmer from yesterday's close but remained on the sidelines through morning trade. SYDNEY - The Reserve Bank of Australia this morning decided to leave interest rates unchanged at 4.75 per cent after yesterday's board meeting. SYDNEY - The Australian dollar was essentially unchanged after the Reserve Bank of Australia left interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting. SYDNEY - The Reserve Bank of Australia has left interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting as global concerns again outweighed strength in the domestic economy, economists said. SYDNEY - News Corp Ltd shares bounced sharply in early trade after the media monolith finally struck a $1.6 billion deal to snap-up Italian pay TV operator Telepiu. SYDNEY - Federal Treasurer Peter Costello said there has been extraordinary interest amongst foreign investors in any upcoming selldown by the government of its majority Telstra Corp Ltd holding. SYDNEY - National Australia Bank Ltd today said it had completed the sale of SR Investment Inc, the parent of United States-based HomeSide Lending Inc, to Washington Mutual Bank FA. MELBOURNE - National Australia Bank Ltd formally ended its ill-fated foray into the United States mortgage market with the completion of the sale of SR Investment Inc, the parent of HomeSide Lending Inc, to Washington Mutual Bank FA. SYDNEY - Westfield Holdings Ltd today said Hermes Property Asset Management Ltd had purchased MEPC's 50 per cent equity interest in six of Westfield's United Kingdom shopping centres for $340 million (STG115 million). MELBOURNE - Coles Myer Ltd shares edged higher today following last night's news the board has deferred any talks of a demerger until the end of the financial year. MELBOURNE - The owner and operator of Melbourne's CityLink tollway, Transurban Group, said today the outlook for future distributions was good now that the company was generating strong cash flows. SYDNEY - Oil and gas major Woodside Petroleum Ltd said it has agreed to take a placement of 10 million ordinary shares in Hardman Resources Ltd at a price of 70 cents per share. SYDNEY - BHP …