Opinion: The improvement in quality of life and opportunity for all but a few over recent decades shows the true progress towards a more inclusive society.
The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrials Average have risen as bank stocks gained on rising Treasury yields, while a drop in Microsoft pressured the Nasdaq.
US oil futures surged nearly two per cent as they were bolstered by a fifth weekly crude inventory drawdown and strong domestic petrol demand amid ongoing global supply concerns over US sanctions on Iran that come into force in November.
Gold rose as the US dollar weakened, indicating investors are starting to worry about the impact of the US-China trade war on the US economy, luring some buyers back into precious metals investments.
Moves are under way in Western Australia to ban online lottery betting organisations, with the state government saying it will protect Lotterywest and minimise harm to at-risk gamblers.
Market fears for the outcome of the escalating tariff war between the world's two biggest economies have heightened during the past week, with history showing what could be a significant impact on consumers, and employment.
Oil futures rose more than one per cent on signs that OPEC would not be prepared to raise output to address shrinking supplies from Iran, and as Saudi Arabia signaled an informal target near current levels.
US stocks have fallen, led by declines in technology and consumer discretionary stocks as investors looked to President Donald Trump's announcement regarding tariffs on $US200 billion of Chinese imports.
Oil prices were little changed as the market weighed deepening trade tension between the US and China that is expected to dent global crude demand and potential supply tightening due to Iran sanctions.
A softer dollar and short-covering has lifted gold after two sessions of declines, but investors braced for more US-China trade tensions, with some buying bullion as a safe haven.
Gold turned negative as the US dollar rose against the Chinese yuan after US President Donald Trump reportedly told aides to proceed with tariffs on Chinese imports.
Oil prices pulled back on concerns additional US tariffs would be placed on Chinese imports, after an earlier rally triggered by worries that more sanctions on Iran might constrict supply.
US stocks have ended little changed as financials rose with bond yields, while news that President Donald Trump instructed aides to proceed with tariffs on about $US200 billion of Chinese products limited gains.
Six female prison officers, who either quit or were sacked from Acacia Prison in Wooroloo WA for having "inappropriate relationships" with inmates, have been referred to the Western Australian Corruption and Crime Commission.
US stocks have risen as Apple led a rebound in technology shares and as trade worries eased after China said it was open to fresh talks with the United States.
Oil prices have fallen more than two per cent, with Brent slipping back from four-month highs as investors focused on the risk that emerging market crises and trade disputes could dent demand even as supply tightens.
Western Australia's unemployment was steady in August at 6.2 per cent in trend terms, despite a small rise in the number of people employed, although the level was much lower for women than men.
Oil futures have risen, with Brent reaching $US80 a barrel, after a larger-than-expected drop in US crude inventories and as US sanctions on Iran added to concerns over global oil supply
The benchmark S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average opened flat as gains in energy companies helped offset a slide in technology stocks, which weighed on the Nasdaq.
The state government is negotiating with the Liberal and National parties to facilitate the upper house passing its proposed strata reform legislation.
US stocks have started the day with little change as gains in technology stocks helped the Nasdaq regain footing and curbed losses in the materials and industrials sectors after fears of an escalation in the Sino-US trade spat.
