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Oil prices have fallen after US crude inventories rose last week by the most since 2016, while gasoline demand suffered its biggest weekly drop ever due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gold prices firmed as investors sought safe-haven assets after sombre US economic data exacerbated fears of an economic downturn amid increasing lockdowns and other restrictions globally to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Health Minister Roger Cook said testing criteria for COVID-19 would expand as of tomorrow, 28 new cases in WA overnight; Premier Mark McGowan aired his grievances with the Artania cruise ship, and Andrew Forrest pledged $160 million towards procuring medical supplies and increasing testing in WA.

The Australian share market has rallied as coronavirus-fuelled volatility continues, even as the Reserve Bank released minutes showing members were worried about the likelihood of a recession.

Georgiou Group has secured $141 million worth of contracts across Australia in recent days, announcing it had been awarded major contracts in NSW and Queensland just one day after being named the preferred proponent for the City of Perth’s east end revitalisation project.

The Australian share market has opened two per cent higher as coronavirus-fuelled volatility continues.

Private hospitals join ranks to fight virus

Gold prices dipped over 2.0 per cent to their lowest level in a week as the US dollar firmed, but the metal was on track for a sixth straight quarterly rise on concerns about the global economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Crude oil benchmarks ended a volatile quarter with their biggest losses in history, as both US and Brent futures were hammered throughout March on the global economic freeze due to the coronavirus pandemic and the eruption of a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The state government has announced new deregulated COVID-19 testing laws and a $1 billion economic health system stimulus package, while Health Minister Roger Cook revealed nine new coronavirus cases.

The wild ride for the Australian share market has continued with a 330-point swing that turned its early strong gains into an afternoon loss.

Despite tough market conditions, two experienced Perth-based lawyers have today launched Mason Ledger, a full-service commercial law firm touting several major recruits from across the legal spectrum.

Western Australians who don't comply with self-isolation directions will have an electric device installed in their homes or be warned under new laws to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Wesfarmers expects to make a $130 million pre-tax profit after selling down another lot of shares in supermarket giant Coles to shore up its balance sheet.

The Australian share market has gained more than three per cent as its buoyant mood resumes following its best ever session.

WA’s FIFO ban a blow for resources giants

Global oil benchmark Brent crude plunged to its cheapest in almost 18 years overnight and US crude briefly tumbled below $US20 per barrel on growing fears the global coronavirus shutdown could last months and demand for fuel will decline further.

Gold prices inched up on Monday after an extension of restrictions in the United States exacerbated concerns about the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic, driving investors to safe-haven assets.

The state government has unveiled $184 million in initiatives to boost crisis support and provide rent relief for small businesses and not-for-profit groups impacted by COVID-19, while the City of Perth has also announced a rent-free period for tenants in city-owned buildings.

The Australian share market has rallied hard in its final minutes for its best day ever after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the government's fiscal stimulus measures.

An 11th hour agreement has resulted in 29 passengers from the Artania cruise ship who have tested positive for COVID-19 being transferred to Joondalup Health Campus, after earlier proposals to shift them to Hollywood Private Hospital, the Mount Hospital and Bethesda Health Care were criticised.

The Australian share market has shaken off a weak lead from Wall Street to rise early as government prepares to announce further economic support measures for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wage subsidy for big business

Oil prices plunged another five per cent and posted a fifth straight weekly loss as demand destruction caused by the coronavirus outweighed stimulus efforts by policymakers around the world.

Economic damage expected from the coronavirus continues to boost the bullion's safe-haven appeal.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces further restrictions for international arrivals, Health Minister Roger Cook confirms 24 new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia, Premier Mark McGowan announces a ban on regional travel, and Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston proposes new rules to help mineral exploration companies.

Australia's share market has plunged again following three days of gains, smashing any incipient hopes that the bear market is finished.

Australia's share market has surged more than two per cent as investors buy up stocks across the board after another sharp rise in US equities.

Retail rescue: rent, tax relief

Oil prices lost more than $US1 a barrel overnight as restrictions on travel worldwide slashed fuel demand.

Gold prices jumped to a two-week high overnight, after a record surge in US jobless claims dented the dollar and boosted expectations of further stimulus to cushion the global economic toll from the coronavirus pandemic.

Australian shares have rallied for a third straight day after a massive US stimulus deal sent global markets soaring.