BHP Billiton is confident it will survive falls in iron ore prices, while Rio Tinto and Fortescue remain committed to long term production targets.

Credit Union Australia expects to record subdued growth for the next six months after suffering an 18 per cent decline in its first half profit.

The world's biggest miner BHP Billiton is confident it will survive falls in iron ore prices.

Rare earths miner Lynas has fallen to a half year loss due partly to costs from increasing production at its new Malaysian plant.

Shipbuilder Austal says the construction of two more combat vessels has been funded by the US Navy.