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US stocks had a mixed week with the broader market rising on better economic data, but technology stocks faltering on concerns about a downturn in the bubble-prone sector.

Gold prices have risen to their highest level in more than a week after data showed the US created slightly fewer jobs than expected in March.

The Australian dollar has bounced on the back of key US employment figures.

Trident Subsea Cable has targeted June as the crucial point for a decision on the future of a second submarine cable linking Perth with Asia.

Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting has been taken to court by the corporate watchdog for failing to lodge financial reports on time.

Western Australian voters will return to the polls tomorrow for a Senate election re-run which could have major consequences for the federal government's legislative agenda.

Jacka Resources has launched a $3.9 million capital raising and will review its operations and restructure its board in a bid to cut costs following Tangiers Petroleum's failed takeover of the company.

In this week's edition of Business News Background, news editor Mark Beyer, head of content Mark Pownall and host James Lush discuss the news behind Saturday's Senate election re-run, corporate finance and emerging tech opportunities and the rush of luxury hotels hitting the market in Perth. Other topics discussed include progress at the Emu Brewery site on Mounts Bay Road and new trends in workplace design.

Late gains have pushed the share market slightly higher ahead of the release of US job numbers.

Hoteliers and bar owners are facing tougher trade conditions with new data showing alcohol consumption was at a 17-year low over the year ending June 2013.

Dozens of workers face having their cars and houses confiscated for failing to pay thousands of dollars in fines for a 2008 strike at Woodside Petroleum's Pluto project that was ruled unlawful.

Centaurus Metals has raised $5 million for early-stage works at its Jambreiro iron ore project in Brazil while it finalises a debt funding package for the development.

The government can expect the teachers' union to keep up the pressure all the way till the next state poll.

Aspen Group has made more progress in selling off its commercial portfolio, offloading its highest value asset - the Septimus Roe office tower on Adelaide Terrace - to Singaporean development giant

Australian stocks have opened flat as investors wait for a catalyst to move the market in either direction.

Global oil prices have rebounded from earlier losses as dealers grew sceptical Libyan rebels were close to a deal on lifting blockades that would boost the country's oil production.Oil rebounds on hazy prospects for Libya

The Australian dollar is recovering after weak economic data and suggestions that interest rates would remain low for some time weighed the currency down.

US stocks have closed modestly lower as investors digested a series of economic data ahead of Friday's big jobs report for March.

Roy Hill in 457 visa ruckus

Soft commodity prices have driven the market capitalisation of Western Australia's listed companies lower, bringing recent gains to an end.

Point of sale financing group ThinkSmart has put a plan to return capital to shareholders on the backburner just months after proposing the scheme.

Mirvac Group has cleared the way for development of its next high-rise apartment tower at Burswood after overcoming objections from local residents and the local council to its revised plans.

Beverages giant Lion says being dumped as Woolworths' milk supplier in Western Australia for rival Brownes will affect production volumes at its Bentley milk processing plant.

Australian shares have made modest gains but a traders say a relatively flat day was disappointing after the release of strong Chinese economic data.

Engineering and consulting group GHD has announced it will acquire specialist architecture and design firm Woodhead.

The Franchise Council of Australia has criticised planned federal government reforms, claiming there is inconsistency between Small Business Minister Bruce Billson's stated intentions and draft changes to the franchising code of conduct.

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has urged the federal government to take a longer term view on budget outcomes, echoing similar sentiments from Treasury Secretary Martin Parkinson.

It's amazing what an improvement a new owner can bring to a business, which is why the proposed break-up of Australia's biggest company, BHP Billiton, is excellent news for Western Australia, particularly the Goldfields and South West.

Retail spending is continuing its steady recovery, posting it 10th consecutive monthly rise despite a weak employment outlook.

The federal government could take a fresh look at negative gearing rules in the May budget to help balance the books and make housing more affordable and accessible.

Labor has defended the preselection of union boss Joe Bullock after it emerged he has a prior conviction for assault.

Former 40under40 winner Andrew Thorburn is set to take the reins at National Australia Bank, following the retirement of long-serving chief executive Cameron Clyne.