BANK of America will need to raise between $US33.9 billion ($45.7 billion) and $US35 billion($47 billion) in capital to maintain its financial stability, US media reported.

CHARITY workers offered free coffee before head office cut 130 jobs across the country.

Spending on cosmetic procedures up $45mBotox, laser hair removal increase 15 per centMen increasingly turning to treatments

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, one of the "Big Four" accounting firms, has asked staff to take unpaid leave to cut costs.

PENSIONERS will receive up to $30 a week extra in a Federal Budget that will target tax breaks of Australia's biggest earners.

Rafter takes a pay cut for Bonds rolePacific Brands will sack 1850 jobsUnion shocked he is standing by company

WE might avoid a recession after all, thanks to a record $19 billion in consumer spending in March.

TROUBLED insurer AIG has revealed $614 million in performance bonuses for 2008.

WESTPAC'S first half net profit has fallen 1.2 per cent prompting a sharp cut to investor dividends.

FIREFIGHTERS pulled an unconscious man from his burning unit in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton North overnight.

VICTORIA'S Budget should serve as a template for other states in tough economic times, an ANZ economist said.

MELBOURNE identity Mick Gatto says he is shocked that an offer to help the devastated community of Marysville has been snubbed.

VICTORIA'S former top cop Christine Nixon denies she is blocking an offer by Melbourne identity Mick Gatto to help build a large aid facility in Marysville.

THE first-home buyers' bonus is set to more than double to $11,000 for Victorians buying a new home, but buyers of existing homes will lose out.

A MAN who plotted with his mistress to murder his wife stood to benefit from $1 million in life insurance if she died, a court has heard.

FORMER Australian Idol contestant Mark Spano has had his driver's licence restored after he was caught driving while suspended during a film shoot for the show.

Christopher Wayne Hudson was on the runHells Angels bikies chained him up"Was punishment for bringing shame on club"

VICTORIANS will get up to $22,500 towards their first home as the state's bonus scheme is extended, with new sweeteners for those who buy new or build.

A MAN whose wife died in a go-karting crash has called for changes to Victorian law to make the operators of unsafe companies responsible for their crimes.

DETECTIVES are searching for two men accused of orchestrating a frightening abduction attempt on Brisbane's northside.