Mark Beyer

The spectacular rise in Fortescue Metals Group’s share price since chief executive Andrew Forrest took the reins has made the iron ore developer the top performing Western Australian stock over the past five years.

Engineering and construction company Monadelphous Group Ltd was one of the top performers in the total shareholder return survey, outperforming every other mature business in Western Australia.

The sharp fall in share values over the past fortnight has highlighted for many investors the tangible value of companies that pay regular dividends.

Tax professionals have cautiously welcomed state government plans to rewrite the Stamp Act, but have warned that many companies owning land could be surprised to find themselves caught in the tax net.

The past week has seen a flood of commentary and analysis focusing on the instability in global financial markets and trends in interest rates, with comparatively little attention paid to developments in the real economy.

Punters who bought into technology investment company, ST Synergy Ltd, during 2006 will be feeling more than a little disappointed after its stock was suspended and its major subsidiary went into administration.

Oil and gas producer Santos Ltd and its United States partner Apache Corporation are proceeding with detailed studies of their jointly owned Reindeer gas project, which could provide a major new source of gas for the Western Australian domestic market.

Treasurer Eric Ripper has announced major reform proposals for the state tax system that are projected to deliver an extra $80-100 million in revenue, but said the government would adopt offsetting tax cuts so the package was revenue neutral.

The many twists and turns in the takeover battle for diversified mining company Consolidated Minerals Ltd has started to rival the convoluted tussle for control of struggling winemaker Evans & Tate Ltd.