Tim Treadgold

Opinion: A more creative approach is required if the state’s weak spots on tourism are to be overcome.

One of the nation’s most respected economists reckons the tide may have turned for the WA economy, but falling metals prices and a global trade war could render that view obsolete.

There may be some positive news for two beleaguered WA mining projects.

Politics and the market have collided in terms of oil supply and demand, with speculation the world might be in for an oil shock not seen for decades.

Opinion: Businesses that fail to change when the market demands are playing with fire.

While cost savings are one reason for greater automation in workplaces, ever-improving robotic capabilities are hastening the uptake in a range of industries.

Analysis: Rising supplies of battery metals, and sluggish demand for electric vehicles worldwide, are challenging local players in the sector.

Iron ore exporters are jostling for position as on-water traffic grows at Port Hedland.

Growing demand for nickel in steelmaking and battery production is positive news for WA, and the Kalgoorlie region in particular.

Opinion: Investors are awaiting clues as to Wesfarmers’ next moves, as it exits the British hardware business and plans a spin-off of Coles.

Rising oil prices will affect behavior and the cost of living across all sectors of society and industry.

Recent comments by Tesla’s Elon Musk, and his company’s price dive immediately after, will be of interest to the state’s lithium miners.

A bump in the oil price has reinvigorated the fortunes of several small oil and gas explorers in WA.

Opinion: The current banking royal commission and global shift to downsizing are raising questions as to whether any institution or business is too big to fail, or at least be broken up.

The banking royal commission’s exposure of shady practices will no doubt lead to calls for change, but perfect solutions are hard to find.

Keeping pace with the changing demands of a digital marketplace is a challenge for many in business.

Some aspects of targeted sanctions on Russia are proving beneficial for commodity producers in WA.

Social media companies are feeling the heat over the mishandling of users’ data.

Wesfarmers could find the healthcare sector offers more appeal than retail, as US giant Walmart makes its own moves in that direction.

The arrival in Australia of a US-based website could give used-car buyers more power per transaction.

Analysis: The franchising model could become the latest victim of the pressure being heaped on the retail sector.

The state, which is not a big steel exporter but produces some of the key raw materials, could suffer collateral damage in a full trade war.

Investors are warming to the concept of gold mining in the Wheatbelt, with share prices of three active players moving higher in recent weeks.

A couple of good years for Kerry Stokes and his Seven Group could be an indicator of the WA economy’s return to health.

International investors are rotating their funds into commodities such as industrial metals, which could be good news for WA, and Kalgoorlie in particular.

If WA’s wine industry isn’t exactly booming today, it could be a different story soon.

ANALYSIS: Investors are taking note of Wesfarmers’ fraught foray into the UK hardware market.

The rise of robo investment advice will prompt those with long memories to recall what happened last time computer algorithms were used to manage investments.

Dark kitchens and online aggregators are not terms most people associate with a restaurant, but the invasion of the internet into the catering industry is bringing radical change – and not everyone will be happy.

The political fallout from China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, and the Communist government’s role in business, will pose threats and challenges for WA.

A number of asset classes are facing the likelihood of a bust this year, with WA watchers’ eyes trained on the lithium sector.

It may still be early days, but Amazon’s arrival in Australia has yet to damage the numbers for some high-profile traditional retailers.