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The Australian share market has opened sharply lower as oil stocks were pummelled following OPEC's decision not to cut production.

Rio Tinto has deferred making an investment decision on its proposed billion-dollar new iron ore mine in West Australia's Pilbara region but is sticking with plans to ramp up production of the commodity.

The Australian dollar is lower, weighed down by a big fall in the prices of oil and other commodity prices.

Gold has fallen to the lowest level in a week as assets in the largest exchange-traded product backed by the metal shrank to the smallest in more than six years. Silver, platinum and palladium also decreased.

Colin Barnett hopes his capital works program will one day be seen in the same light as those of WA political giants, Charles Court and John Forrest.

Engineering firm Calibre Group has forecast a gloomier than expected outlook for its business due partly to depressed iron ore and coal prices.

Perth landlords have been urged to improve their properties or adjust their rents in response to significant changes in the rental market.

Education provider Navitas has announced a slowing of growth for its university programs division, due to stricter entrance requirements put in place to combat fake applications from foreigners.

Cash Converters International says it plans to raise $45 million to help terminate commissions to development agents on its rapidly growing personal loans business.

A syndicate headed by Quick Corporate Australia chairman Amu Shah has bought a retail property in Canning Vale for $17.7 million, in a deal brokered by Vend Property.

The federal government’s report on foreign investment in the property sector has been roundly welcomed by industry bodies, as it identifies that offshore buyers can be a positive addition to the ma

The Australian share market has finished flat as sagging oil and iron ore prices weighed on energy and mining stocks.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries may not be dead, but it is on life support – a status that contains a mixed message for Western Australia, as part of the state’s economy will benefit from potentially lower fuel prices while another part will likely be damaged.

Electronics retailer Dick Smith is on track to lift half year sales by about 10 per cent.

The board of MZI Resources has approved the development of its flagship Keysbrook mineral sands project near Serpentine.

A statement released by Cricket Australia today confirmed the passing of Phillip Hughes, after failing to regain consciousness from an injury sustained in the Sheffield Shield on Tuesday.

Sirius Resources has named the preferred contractors for various works at its $473 million Nova nickel project near Norseman, however contract values have not been disclosed as final terms are yet to be completed.

Sea water is flowing into a mine pit in Western Australia after a wall gave way.

Retail giant Woolworths is on track to lift its annual profit by up to 7 per cent despite softer-than-expected first quarter sales.

Adelaide-based Beach Energy has recruited Woodside Petroleum's second most senior executive, Rob Cole, as its new chief executive.

The Australian share market is marginally higher, with the major banks stronger but most of the big miners weaker.

The Woodside Petroleum-led North West Shelf venture has agreed to proceed with its $1.2 billion Persephone gas project off the Western Australian coast.

The Dow and S&P 500 have edged higher to new records following a stream of mixed US economic data.

All the numbers were a bit more subdued this week with sales coming off last week’s peak and listings growth slowing.

Some weak US economic data has helped the Australian dollar rebound after it dropped below 85 US cents for the first time in four years.

Gold prices are virtually unchanged in quiet, pre-holiday trade as investors find little direction in lacklustre US economic data and a flat stock market.

US oil prices have fallen to a new four-year low on growing expectations that OPEC will not take significant action in response to lower oil prices.

Oil and gas producer Neon Energy has said the result of its recent shareholder meeting gives it a mandate to pursue a merger with Melbourne-based MEO, despite receiving renewed notice that key shareholder Evoworld Corporation will call a meeting to remove directors.

The Woodside-led North West Shelf joint venture has struck a new supply agreement that will deliver a small increase in the amount of gas coming into the local market but there is still no word on the future of contracts that account for more than half the state’s domestic supply.

Nickel miner Western Areas says it has awarded an offtake agreement to Jinchuan Group, building on a five-year relationship with the Chinese nickel producer.

The share market has rebounded to break November's downward trend, with gains made in every sector.