Latest Headlines

Bringing personal views to managing other people’s money is tricky.

Gold prices have advanced as declines in the dollar and Treasury yields bolster the precious metal's appeal as a haven.

Oil prices have dipped on concerns about high supplies and more signs from key Middle Eastern producers that OPEC has no plans to cut crude output.

The Australian dollar is higher, boosted by a gain in the iron ore price and a weaker greenback.

US stocks have risen, shaking off weak IBM earnings and extending the rally that began late last week.

Encouraging employee share ownership, reform in vocational education and training, increasing skilled immigration, and the establishment of industry growth centres will be key planks in the federal government’s new industry innovation and competitiveness agenda, released last week.

The state government has further incentive to loosen retail trading restrictions after a Productivity Commission report found current regulations are of no benefit to business, but impose a major cost on consumers.

The Australian dairy industry would not benefit from adoption of a Fonterra-style ‘national champion’, as in New Zealand, and suggestions otherwise are not consistent with market realities, according to a recent Productivity Commission report.

Offshore buyers are increasingly interested in Perth office stock, but limited assets for sale and the city’s rising vacancy rate are stifling opportunities.

Record building approvals in 2013-14 have resulted in an all-time high of dwelling commencements in Perth, but the latest data show housing construction may have hit the peak of the cycle.

Online payday lender Loan Ranger is negotiating with one of the US’s biggest online lenders to launch a business finance service early next year.

Subiaco-based graphite player Kibaran Resources has achieved some preliminary success in developing a process to convert the carbon-based mineral into graphene.

Qantas is upgrading its Perth Airport facilities to align with Australia’s other major airports, kicking off construction of a new domestic business lounge.

Former Western Australian chief justice David Kingsley Malcolm achieved a lot during his 18 years in the role, and will be remembered as a kind and patient man by those who knew him.

Business leader Kerry Stokes says the Western Australian economy is heading for its toughest period in two decades, but expects the state will resume healthy growth within a couple of years.

Against expectations, the nickel sector appears set for a rebound in 2015.

Two major national contractors are embroiled in takeovers, with Tenix Holdings on the receiving end of a $300 million bid by Downer EDI, and Transfield Services revealling it has received a $1 billion takeover bid from a Spanish building giant.

The share market has closed firmer for a fifth consecutive session as concerns about global economic growth appear to fade.

Perth-based online education services provider iCollege has entered into a binding heads of agreement to fully acquire Dynamic Learning Services for $4 million.

A program aimed at disadvantaged youth is at risk of being lost.

After losing a $500,000 development grant, a local entrepreneur has launched another app instead.

Iron ore production shows no sign of slowing, but getting the ore on the water may be more problematic.

It's the big deal nobody knows anything about.

Some farmers will have to take a hit for the nation if proposed plans to build more dams are approved, Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce says.

Three senior Western Australian mining executives have been named among 16 recipients of Chief Executive Women’s $250,000 scholarship program.

Two Chinese companies suing federal MP Clive Palmer have a genuine dispute against him, a judge says.

Two long-term Perth franchises are hoping to embrace opportunities in WA's changing economy.

Small businesses have developed unique incentives to win staff over larger competition.

The small business sector has had some significant wins of late. Our 4-page special report analyses the issues facing small business, profiles two franchise groups expanding in WA and looks at unique incentive programs for staff.

Shares in Perth-based gold explorer Talisman Mining have surged more than 70 per cent after the company announced it had entered into a binding agreement for Swiss-based Glencore’s Sinclair nickel project in the Goldfields for $10 million.

New South Wales has knocked off Western Australia as the country's strongest economy, as the glow of the mining investment boom continues to fade.

Shares are more than one per cent firmer as Australian investors shrug off concerns about slowing global growth.