US stocks have opened lower as investors digested data indicating the country’s retail sales beat expectations last month.

Fund manager ISPT is offering up a portfolio of retail and office properties worth about $600 million across Sydney and Melbourne.

The founders of e-retailer Sleeping Duck have denied freezing out an angel investor from active involvement in their company and realising his 20 per cent shareholding.

CGI Glass Lewis, ISS and Ownership Matters have told their clients not to put retail veteran Bill Wavish on the board of the gaming and liquor giant.

Retail giants Adairs and Temple and Webster expressed interest in buying shares in a start-up mattress e-tailer after an angel investor leant his “brand and reputation” to boost its value, the Victorian Supreme Court has heard.

Intended to protect consumers, without stifling innovation.

The announcement comes a week after retailer Myer revealed it was nominating Olivia Wirth to its board of directors.