Australian shares have strayed into positive territory at midday as mining shares picked up the slack while the major banks lost some of their gains of the previous day.
Oil prices fell overnight, pulling back from two-month highs as concerns over a global economic slowdown crept back into the market and a stronger US dollar also weighed.
Gold moved slightly higher overnight, supported by uncertainties surrounding US-China trade relations ahead of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to the Congress, while a firmer US dollar and rising global stock markets capped gains.
US stocks have closed higher as largely upbeat corporate results fuelled investor optimism ahead of the highly awaited State of the Union address by President Donald Trump.
The Australian share market has had its biggest day in 26 months as investors breathed a sigh of relief the Hayne royal commission hadn't recommended harsher penalties for the big banks.
Shares in Perth-based Australian Finance Group and in ASX-listed Mortgage Choice plunged today on concerns the mortgage broking sector will be one of the biggest losers from the banking royal commission, which recommended the banning of commissions paid by lenders to brokers.
Curtin University will soon embark on the first phase of its $500 million Greater Curtin plan, which includes more than 900 new student accommodation rooms, a hotel and serviced apartments alongside new educational space.
PODCAST: Mark Pownall talks to Aaron McDonald from Pragma Legal and Catriona Macleod from Cullen Macleod about the WA commercial and civil legal market, including the rise of technology and increase in client bargaining power.
Construction robotics group FBR has signed a deal that lays the foundation to launch a joint venture with building products manufacturer Brickworks, to produce bricks optimised for use with its Hadrian X robot bricklaying system.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has again kept the official cash rate at a record low of 1.5 per cent, but Governor Philip Lowe has tempered his economic outlook.
Gold Fields has awarded Aggreko a contract to construct and operate a microgrid with 20,000 solar panels and battery storage, which will be integrated with the existing natural gas power supply to reduce fuel consumption at the Granny Smith gold mine near Laverton.
GR Engineering Services has secured an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a wellfield at OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena copper-gold project in South Australia.
Navitas has reported a 14.4 per cent decrease in profit for the half year to December, as expenses related to BGH Capital’s first takeover bid hit the company’s bottom line.
National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Thorburn says he is "more determined than ever" to lead the bank despite strong criticism from Kenneth Hayne in his final royal commission report.
The current and former prime ministers agree they waited too long to call the banking royal commission but the treasurer says it's time to look forward, not back.
Australian shares are rallying at midday lead by the big four banks, with investors seemingly relieved that the financial services royal commission had not recommended harsher measures.
Oil prices fell overnight after disappointing US factory data sparked fresh concerns about a slowdown in the global economy, but losses were limited as OPEC-led supply cuts and US sanctions against Venezuela pointed to lower supplies.
Wall Street has gained on Monday, with all three major indexes closing near session highs as sustained optimism on the prospects for US-China trade relations propelled technology shares.
One of Perth’s most prominent fashion designers has announced the closure of an internationally successful label, but hinted at plans for something big in the pipeline.
Financial stocks have given the Australian share market a surprising lift despite the sector bracing for the fallout from a landmark misconduct inquiry.
The banking sector has been told it "must change forever" for forcing the Australian community to pay an immense financial and emotional price over many years.
Three junior miners are undertaking capital raisings, with Amani Gold set to raise at least $3.7 million, Hot Chili $3.2 million, and $3 million for Capricorn Metals.
King & Wood Mallesons, which ranks as the fourth largest law firm in WA, has expanded its local office with two lateral hires, Carl Black and Sam Dundas.
The two main operators at Fremantle Ports container terminal look set to stay until at least 2026, with the state government flagging discussions about infrastructure for container movements into the port to be a key priority in its negotiations.
