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Land developer Peet has reported a net profit of $1.2 million for the half year to December 2012, and foreshadowed better results in the second half of the financial year and in future years.

Engineering company Sedgman has signed a $90 million contract to design and build a new gold processing plant near Kalgoorlie for La Mancha Resources.

Iron Ore Holdings and Mineral Resources have struck an agreement that will result in the development this year of the Iron Valley mine in the Pilbara.

The Australian share market has reached a fresh four and a half year high, buoyed by improved investor sentiment towards the Italian election outcome.

Shares in Matrix Composites and Engineering have plunged to their lowest level since the company listed on the ASX in 2009, following the release of a major earnings downgrade.

Former Ernst and Young managing partner in Perth Jeff Dowling has been appointed chairman of nickel-explorer Sirius Resources.

New laws proposed in the wake of the Montara oil spill, dubbed Australia's worst oil disaster, have cleared parliament.

Western Australia's Liberal party is promising to chip away at the state's housing crisis by removing outdated restrictions on granny flats.

The federal government has released a consultation paper for its plan to change the timing of company tax payments.

A better-than-expected capital expenditure outlook is another sign the Reserve Bank of Australia won't need to cut the cash rate further.

Gindalbie Metals chairman George Jones will step down from the role in April - coinciding with the company officially launching its Karara iron ore project in the Mid West.

Australian stocks have opened firmer, with a strong showing from Woolworths and Treasury Wine Estates leading the broader market higher.

Woolworths' first half profit has grown to $1.15 billion as earnings from its supermarkets rose by six per cent.

Strong reports on the US housing market and durable goods orders propelled stocks higher on Wednesday, with the much-watched Dow index reaching its highest level in more than five years.

The tiny community of Pardoo is set to feel the full force of Severe Tropical Cyclone Rusty, which is set to cross the coastline this afternoon.

Global Construction Services has reported a $9.35 million interim profit in the face of a challenging market and uncertain economic conditions.

Perth-based technology company Antaria has come close to a break even result after achieving 34 per cent growth in sales of $2.67 million.

Balcatta-based engine technology group Orbital Corporation says it is on target to finish the year in the black after lodging a slim net profit for the six months to December 31.

The Australian dollar is more than half a US cent lower as uncertainty about the Italian election result weighs on market sentiment.

The Australian share market finished higher following a strong lead from Wall Street and encouraging earnings reports locally.

Australian shoppers may be ready to start splashing their cash again as solid savings rates and low inflation lifts consumer confidence, Westfield boss Peter Lowy says.

PMI Gold Corporation is on the hunt for a new chairman, after Peter Buck announced his resignation following the company's collapsed merger deal with Canada's Keegan Resources.

A Perth court has confirmed Wright Prospecting's full control over the large Rhodes Ridge iron ore project in the Pilbara after a challenge by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting.

BC Iron has reported an interim net profit of $7.7 million, a result it described as soft in light of recent optimism in the iron ore market.

A deep drop in hotel bookings across Asia, Europe and the United States has dragged down earnings at online travel agency wotif.com.

Disgruntled prison officers in are about to decide whether to strike for a better pay deal as the state election approaches.

The education sector has hailed an “outstanding report” on strengthening and sustaining Australia's international student market from the Michael Chaney-led International Education Advisory Council

Global credit rating agency Standard & Poor's expects Australian economic growth will remain close to trend in coming years, as public debt peaks at a low level.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard believes the Australian dollar will stay high for some time but says this shouldn't stop the nation from having a viable manufacturing sector.

Apartment development firm Finbar Group says it is on track to exceed its record full-year profit from 2012 after it lodged a $14.07 million net profit for the six months to December 31.

Mining services company MacMahon Holdings will post a loss of up to $20 million this financial year because of its troubled construction business.

The Australian share market is higher after Wall Street rose sharply on better-than-expected housing and consumer confidence data.