EUROPEAN leaders have pledged to pump public money into banks battered by the worst financial crisis since the 1930s.

LOCAL shares bounce after weekend rescue efforts appear to boost confidence among banks.

ADVERTISEMENTS for jobs in September fell for the fifth straight month as firms reduce hiring staff in the slowing economy.

INVESTORS have flocked back to Australia's largest banks, pushing their shares more than 6 per cent higher today, after the Federal Government guaranteed savings deposits and bank wholesale borrowings.

BILLIONAIRE businessman George Soros has slammed the US administration's "ill-conceived" handling of the global banking crisis.

AUSTRALIAN banks ignored the sub-prime crisis and took greater risks in the home mortgage market to see of a challenge from rivals.

BRITAIN'S biggest mortgage provider HBOS said the takeover of the bank by Lloyds TSB remained on, rejecting a report that the deal had collapsed.

ALL eyes are on the share market after PM Rudd tells Aussies to steel themselves as financial crisis hits.

AUSTRALIAN stocks are expected to open flat today as Wall street closed the week lower following its horror session on Thursday.

THE Rudd Government will use its multi-billion-dollar surpluses to boost the economy as it warns the financial crisis is moving into a "new and dangerous phase".