Leighton subsidiary Thiess has won a $100 million contract with Fortescue Metals for works on the Solomon Hub iron ore mine.

The tax office has appealed to the High Court after the Full Federal Court found in favour of James Hardie over a $242 million tax assessment.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Monday downgraded Italy's credit rating by one notch, saying it sees weakening economic growth prospects ahead.

Stocks of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange on Tuesday

US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone on Monday to discuss the need for action on the eurozone crisis.

US stocks slid on Monday, snapping a five-session winning streak as traders feared a Greek public debt default and euro zone inaction to confront the crisis.