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US stocks have closed mostly lower amid renewed speculation about the Federal Reserve's intentions to reduce its massive monetary stimulus.

Gold has extended its recent losses as automatic selling orders pushed prices deeper below $US1,300.

The Australian dollar is lower amid fears that tapering of US economic stimulus could begin soon.

The judge presiding over the trial of Barminco co-founder Peter Bartlett and Ausdrill managing director Ron Sayers today ordered the jury to keep deliberating in a bid to reach a verdict.

ThinkSmart announced today that Keith Jones will be appointed as chief executive officer, effective as of February 2014.

Auditors for the state's biggest corporate superannuation fund have reportedly uncovered fraudulent activity by a past employee.

Another former high-profile politician has found employment in the business world.

It might be playing with fire to own a pair of asbestos gloves these days, but Colin Barnett should borrow a pair before finalising a red-hot deal to sell the Kwinana Bulk Terminal to building mate

Australian shares have edged higher as gains by mining and chemical companies offset more falls by the major banks.

The state government has finalised its preferred model for local council reform, putting forward new boundaries that would cut the number of metropolitan councils by half to 15 - one more than under proposals released in July.

The state government has finalised the acquisition of land at James Price Point for future gas projects, as the industry continues to focus on floating LNG developments, with the Scarborough project gaining environmental approval.

The WA economy is on track for a solid end to the year, according to the latest Westpac CCI Leading Index of WA Economic Activity.

A plan for a small bar in Claremont devised by John Poynton, Adrian Fini and The Wine Store's Robert Bates-Smith has hit a hurdle with local councillors rejecting the initial plan.

A five-storey, 204-apartment proposal by Blackburne Property Group has been refused planning approval by the Metro West Joint Development Assessment Panel.

Seven Group says it will cut 630 positions across its Westrac business in a divisional restructure.

The Greens are demanding an explanation from Clive Palmer about an apparent alliance with the Australian Sports Party's senator-elect Wayne Dropulich.

The Australian stock market has opened higher, offsetting losses from the previous session.

Perth-based Wolf Minerals announced a milestone in the environmental permitting process for its Hemerdon tungsten and tin project in Devon, south-west England.

Oil prices rose on Monday after marathon talks in Geneva aimed at persuading Iran to curb its disputed nuclear program ended without an agreement.

Rupert Murdoch's newspaper publishing business News Corporation has reported a net profit of $US38 million ($A40.60 million) for the first quarter.

US stocks have ended modestly higher as investors appeared to take a breather in a semi-holiday session after Friday's strong rally on the back of encouraging jobs data.

A surprisingly strong US jobs report continues to weigh on the Australian dollar in the absence of any other significant economic data.

Sometimes it can be better to go as far as you can before using other people's money.

AFG Property is set to proceed with construction of its $87 million Richmond Quarter apartment development in East Fremantle after appointing Pindan this week as the builder.

Forge Group says performance issues at two of its power station projects are likely to affect its earnings guidance, with the company extending a voluntary trading suspension as it holds discussions with financiers.

Former federal police commissioner Mick Keelty is already convinced the missing votes in the Western Australian Senate election materially affected the result, but says it's unlikely their disappearance was caused by corruption.

Rural services company Elders expects to report a loss of more than $500 million for its recently concluded fiscal year.

Explosives and chemicals supplier Orica expects higher profits in 2014 as key North American coal markets improve, and the company sells more sophisticated explosives and blasting systems.

More than a decade after it exited the cinema advertising market in Western Australia, national media group Val Morgan has returned with the acquisition of local agency CineAds.

The Australian share market has closed lower as investors put aside a positive lead from US markets and took a breather from a strong run upwards in recent months.

A commitment to philanthropy has strengthened business networks for Perth contractor Mining and Civil Australia.

State government agency Healthway made headlines this year for its large sponsorship deals with the Western Australian Cricket Association and Perth Glory, but a new study has found its sponsorship of arts events is the quiet achiever.