Daily Dispatches: AMP still interested in AXA

AMP, Australia's second-biggest asset manager, has reiterated its interest in AXA Asia Pacific but did not indicate when or how it will come back with a bid to close out the five-month long takeover battle. (The Age)

Australia's unemployment rate hit 5.4 per cent in April but a strong rise in the number of full-time jobs points to continued strength in the economy. (Sydney Morning Herald)

RBS has set a mid-June deadline for final bids for its 318 UK branches up for sale, a person familiar with the situation says. Due diligence should take place in the next two to three weeks, with Spain's Banco Santander and National Australia Bank in the process, people familiar added. (The Australian)