AUSTRALIA

The search in the southern Indian Ocean has been the largest, most expensive aviation investigation in history, covering more than 30,000 square miles.

Australia also deported a suspected French extremist who arrived in the country two days after last month's attacks in Paris.

The decision follows widespread public outrage after the immigration department initially denied visas to Hassan Ali's family members.

Petroleum prices bounced back after an industry association reported an unexpected drop in stockpiles.

The Pentagon announced Monday that the company reached its delivery goal for F-35 jets this year.

Mining giant BHP Billiton also raised the death toll from November's accident to 17 and said it will continue to relocate displaced people.

A late U.S. rally fueled by Apple, Microsoft and other technology companies also boosted investor sentiment.

Federal health officials said Monday that gay men can donate blood only if they have not had sex with other men within 12 months — sparking criticism.

Office supply retailer Staples had offered to divest up to $1.25 billion of commercial contracts.

Chinese consumers of wine, meat and smartphones are expected to benefit, but some in Australia are worried of the trade deal's impact on the country's labor sector.

James Packer's Crown Resorts owns a third of Melco Crown, whose Macau operations have suffered from China's crackdown on corruption.

Oil extended declines on Friday, resulting in a third weekly loss, dragging energy and other commodity stocks.

Taiwan unexpectedly cut interest rates, citing slowing global growth.

Australia and the U.S. have resolved to stand against China with surveillance and navigation in the disputed South China Sea.

Markets expected the interest-rate increase and gradual further hikes after Federal Reserve officials signaled them in recent weeks.

Major banks and consumer companies have tied up with Google, giving it an edge over Apple in the lucrative mobile wallet business.

Analysts say markets have priced in the first U.S. rate hike in nine years and will take it as a sign of confidence in the economy.

U.S. officials said Monday that another patrol within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-made islands would not be conducted this year.

According to the BBC, one of Australia's P-3 Orion surveillance aircraft was carrying out "freedom of navigation" flights over disputed islands in the region.

Housing prices, which surged at double-digit growth rates across major Australian cities in the last two years are set to cool off, according to a report by a property search firm.

The U.S. oil benchmark jumped 1.9 percent, its first gain since OPEC nations failed to agree to cut production to boost prices.