Government

Perth is shaking off its reputation as an expensive place to live, dropping 18 positions to be 64th of 133 cities surveyed in a new report by The Economist magazine.

Oil prices rose to around four-month highs overnight, aided by the prospect of prolonged OPEC-led oil supply curbs and signs of inventory declines in US crude stockpiles.

Palladium touched an all-time high overnight, continuing a strong run this year on a supply shortfall of the autocatalyst material, while gold held above the key $US1,300-per-ounce level on expectations the US Federal Reserve will hold rates steady this week.

Banks and tech helped lead Wall Street higher on Monday, while Boeing and Facebook were a drag and investors eyed this week's US Federal Reserve meeting for affirmation of its commitment to "patient" monetary policy.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten has pledged an additional $110 million in new healthcare projects in Western Australia, adding to a string of spending promises ahead of the federal election due in May.

The state government has confirmed it is in talks to reach a settlement that would end the long-standing dispute over the $1.7 billion of litigation proceeds from Alan Bond’s failed Bell Group.

US crude futures briefly hit a 2019 high on Friday but retreated along with benchmark Brent oil as worries about the global economy and robust US production put a brake on prices.

Palladium set a fresh record high on Friday amid expectations that China's economic stimulus would drive demand for the autocatalyst metal, while news that Russia may ban exports of precious metal scraps compounded worries of a supply deficit.

Oil prices were mixed overnight, lifted by solid demand and output cuts led by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries though gains were capped by an ongoing surge in US supply.

Gold fell more than one per cent overnight, slipping below $US1,300 for a second time this month, as fears of a "no-deal" Brexit faded and the US dollar gained versus the pound ahead of a vote to extend the deadline for Britain's exit from the European Union.

The S&P 500 has slipped, snapping a three-day streak of gains, as uncertainty over when a trade deal between the United States and China would be reached left investors on edge.

Emissions guidelines for a series of Western Australian energy mega projects are still unclear after the Environmental Protection Authority announced it would withdraw its net zero carbon policy, released last week, and head into months of consultation.

Oil futures rallied more than 1 per cent overnight as an unexpected drop in US crude inventory and a forecast of slower than expected supply growth from the world's top crude producer boosted prices.

Gold hit nearly a two-week high overnight as tepid US economic data reinforced views the US Federal Reserve would be patient on monetary policy, with bullion's appeal also bolstered by uncertainty over a Brexit deal ahead of a key vote.

Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei will continue to work on a digital radio system for Perth's rail network after the Western Australian government was assured the company could deliver the contract.

Woodside Petroleum has warned it would need to ramp down production at the Burrup Hub in the mid 2020s if the state government does not land on an emissions policy that would support the company’s $46 billion of backfill projects.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ramped up his attack on Labor's plan to lift wages, accusing Bill Shorten of forcing business to sack people to give others pay rises.

WA resources projects ‘face endless court’

Oil prices edged slightly higher overnight, supported by signs of tightening global supply after a Saudi official said the kingdom plans to cut oil exports in April, while the US government reduced its forecast for domestic crude output growth.

Gold gained overnight as the US dollar slipped after tame US inflation data supported the Federal Reserve's "patient" stance on interest rate hikes, while investors awaited a key Brexit vote.

An emotional Western Australian premier has promised to reimburse more than $2,000 in accommodation costs after coming under fire for bringing his family on official regional trips, saying "hurtful" and "vile" attacks by the opposition must stop.

The Corruption and Crime Commission today tabled a report alleging that Craig Steven Peacock acted corruptly for at least a decade and cost Western Australian taxpayers in excess of $500,000.

Mortgage brokers will continue receiving trail commissions beyond 2020 under a federal coalition government, with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg revealing a plan to scrap them has been dropped.

Half a century ago, research connected to UWA dramatically shifted the financial community’s understanding of the link between stock prices and accounting data.

The state government has ceased its funding agreement with Carnegie Clean Energy for its Albany wave project, a week after the company reported a net loss of $45 million for the half year.

Consumer confidence "nosedived" last week as the GDP results showed the Australian economy had entered a so-called per-capita recession, ANZ Banking Group analysis said.

Oil prices rose more than 1 per cent overnight, lifted by comments from Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih that an end to OPEC-led supply cuts was unlikely before June.

Gold fell overnight, moving further off the key $US1,300-per-ounce mark it briefly surpassed in the previous session, as global equities rallied following last week's slide with stronger-than-expected US retail sales allaying some fears of an economic slowdown.

Australia's visa rules have been relaxed to make it easier for farmers to hire skilled seasonal workers. The new rules also apply to tennis coaches, artists, dentists and anaesthetists among a handful of other professions.

Oil prices fell about 1 per cent on Friday after disappointing US job growth revived concerns about a slowing global economy and weaker demand for oil.

Gold rose a per cent to a one-week high on Friday, briefly breaching the pivotal $US1,300-per-ounce ceiling, as weak US payroll data dented the US dollar and risk sentiment while also exacerbating a gloomy global economic picture.

Construction has commenced on Australia’s first thermal waste-to-energy facility, located in Kwinana, which is expected to lead to 860 jobs.