Woolworths shares have taken a knock after the supermarket giant reported a disappointing first half and flagged subdued consumer spending for the foreseeable future.
Oil prices were mixed overnight as concerns about global crude oil demand and uncertainty over the latest round of US-China trade talks countered investor optimism around tightening supplies.
Palladium scaled a record peak to within striking distance of the $US1,500 level overnight fuelled by a sharp supply deficit, while gold climbed 1 per cent to hit a 10-month high on a weaker US dollar and global growth jitters.
BHP Group has posted an 8 per cent fall in first-half underlying profit to $US3.7 billion ($5.2 billion), which it attributed to production disruptions and lower commodity prices.
Sandfire Resources has reported a first-half profit fall of 18.8 per cent, which the gold and copper miner said was due to increased exploration and project costs.
Diversified property company M/Group has expanded its portfolio into Queensland through the $36 million, off-market acquisition of Pialba Place Shopping Centre in Hervey Bay.
Former BGC Australia Residential boss Kelvin Ryan is bringing a distinct Western Australian flavour to his role as managing director of Victorian homebuilder Simonds Group, signing prominent Perth property executive Kate O’Hara to head the company’s marketing operations.
OPINION: While not all WA’s economic indicators are pointing in the right direction, there’s plenty of cause for optimism, particularly in the minerals and agriculture sectors.
Seven West Media says its half-year net profit has fallen by 13.8 per cent as stringent cost-saving measures failed to offset a fall in advertising revenue, with the group flagging further changes including at its WA operations.
Coles' supermarket sales slowed during the run-up to Christmas, while the newly demerged retailer's first-half profit slipped 29 per cent to $381 million as restructuring costs weighed on the balance sheet.
Oil rose for a fifth day overnight, on track for its strongest first quarter in eight years, thanks to a growing belief among investors that OPEC's supply cuts will prevent a build-up in unused fuel, though concern over China's economy tempered gains.
Palladium surged to a record high overnight as a sustained supply deficit boosted the autocatalyst metal, while gold rose to its strongest since April on a lower dollar.
New rules will soon apply to high-density developments across the Perth metropolitan area, including minimum apartment sizes, guidelines around tree retention and natural light, and how projects integrate with the wider neighbourhood.
Wintawari Guruma Aboriginal Corporation has failed in its attempt to overturn a key state government ruling concerning Fortescue Metals Group’s Eliwana iron ore project.
Warren Hallam has been tapped as the new managing director of Capricorn Metals, as the company ramps-up the development of its flagship Karlawinda gold project.
Photo Essay: It's nearing noon on a Monday when the CMA CGM Strauss enters Fremantle harbour, laden with a cargo of cookies, tyres, beer, eskies, bicycles, motor oil, lithium batteries, machinery and furniture.
Australia's number two lender, Westpac, has reported first-quarter unaudited cash earnings of $2.04 billion, with natural disaster insurance claims rising and mortgage delinquencies edging higher.
Monadelphous has secured a $108 million contract on BHP Group's South Flank project, while Clough has won its second contract on the same development. The two contracts will create 700 jobs at South Flank, the largest project underway in WA.
SPECIAL REPORT: Costs and a local skills shortage are among the challenges facing the state as it seeks to develop a local train car manufacturing sector.
SPECIAL REPORT: WA will be waiting until at least 2030 before an outer harbour development is needed, and in the meantime work is being done to evaluate the best ways to extend the life of Fremantle Port.
