澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2010-09-18（在线收听）

The local share market finished higher today, taking gains to three straight weeks. Both the All Ordinaries and the ASX 200 closed up about 0.75 per cent higher. Shares in Santos gained three per cent after the energy company issued 900 million dollars in debt. Meanwhile, ports and rail operator Asciano raised just over one billion dollars to pay off debt, but its shares ended lower.

Japan's Nikkei put on about 1.25 per cent today. On commodities, gold is buying 1,279 US dollars an ounce. And the Australian dollar is buying just under 94.5 US cents.

While Commonwealth Bank chief executive Ralph Norris received a 75 per cent pay rise last year to 16 million dollars. The huge jump in Mr Norris's pay was driven by an increase in his long-term performance rights, which are tied to the performance of the bank's profits and share price. In the last financial year, CBA's profit grew by 20 per cent. The figures are contained in the bank's annual report.

And US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has accused China of currency manipulation, taking a tough stance on China's slow strengthening yuan. US Congress is considering a bill to charge duties on imported Chinese goods in response to the undervalued currency. Mr Geithner said the situation disadvantaged American companies in China.