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There may be some disquiet about the performance of the government (and Tony Abbott) in the first year in the coalition party room, but the PM isn’t likely to give ground in the leadership stakes.

The Australian share market has closed lower in the wake of weak overseas leads and falling commodity prices.

Fremantle-based Carnegie Wave Energy says its $31 million Perth Wave Energy project is close to the commissioning stage after completing offshore preparations and testing its CETO technology.

Perth explorer Promesa says it will place up to 40 million shares at 2.5 cents per share to raise $1 million.

Over the last six months the Australian dollar had traded in a very narrow USD0.925 to USD0.945 range.

Perth civil engineering contractor Macmahon Holdings has secured a $317.5 million three-year funding facility, upsized from $280 million after the book-build closed oversubscribed.

The state government has moved to introduce legislation validating environmental approvals for 25 resources projects, including BHP Billiton's Jimblebar iron ore project and Macedon gas development, thrown into doubt by a review of the independent Environmental Protection Authority’s conflict of interest procedures.

IMX Resources has sold its iron ore operations in South Australia to Perth-based Cu-River Mining for $3.68 million, shifting its focus solely on its Tanzanian projects.

Children’s charity Variety WA has sold a Victoria Park office property leased to Optus for $950,000, in a deal brokered by CBRE.

A trio of heavyweight unions will present a petition to the Western Australian parliament, calling for an investigation into the use of local labour and suppliers at the Chevron-operated Gorgon gas project.

The unemployment rate is expected to ease from its 12-year high in August but could remain stuck around 6 per cent for some time.

Construction contractor Brierty has declared a fully franked special dividend of 8 cents per share, while resolving to raise up to $8.25 million through a 16.5 million share placement.

The Australian share market has opened lower following a sell-off on Wall Street.

Concerns about the federal budget are back and weighing on consumer confidence.

The Australian dollar has hit a five month low as the US dollar continues its surge against most of the major currencies.

Gold slid to a three-month low and other precious metals fell Tuesday as the dollar strengthened and as signs of progress toward peace in Ukraine reduced the need for haven assets.

As the scale of Western Australia’s iron ore exports has increased, so has the impact of any glitches in the system, such as strike action or the weather.

Oil prices in London have continued their steady slide amid a flush market and little upside to the current demand picture.

Wall Street stocks have fallen, pulled down by major banks after the Federal Reserve signalled more stringent capital requirements.

The number of new home loans dipped slightly in Western Australia in July, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has predicted the iron ore price will go over the $100 per tonne mark next year, on the back of improved Chinese consumer confidence.

Sunbird Energy has announced a deal with Vandasia Investments under which the gas explorer and developer will secure a $25 million cash injection and a new major strategic partner.

Altegra Property Group has cut the price on a pair of office units in Clarkson, in order to attract an owner-occupier or investors.

A recovery by the resources sector after recent falls in iron ore prices has helped the share market break a run of four straight losses.

Receivers have said there are more than two dozen potential buyers in the sale of WA’s largest locally owned mushroom farm, Jongro, with expressions of interest closing this week.

Aberdeen-headquartered energy services firm Wood Group PSN has won a contract with Woodside to provide engineering and construction management services at its Karratha Gas Plant Life Extension program, for an undisclosed amount.

The owner of trade exchange platform Bartercard has listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, raising $28 million from an initial public offering to fund an aggressive expansion strategy, both

Mirrabooka Square has been named the state’s best shopping centre by the Property Council of Australia, for the second time in three years.

Labor will not stand a candidate in the seat of Vasse, which was left vacant when former Western Australian treasurer Troy Buswell quit politics.

Pacesetters use technology for the competitive advantage, and the results are more profitable business outcomes.

Boutique firm Roxby Architects has built a reputation as a retail specialist, but a recent award win for a commercial office project shows Adam and Michael Roxby’s business has developed more strings to its bow.

CBH Group has withdrawn its proposal to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to offer long-term agreements with exporters on port capacity.