The Australian share market has slumped to a two-month low as investors dumped stocks from all sectors on fears the US Federal Reserve could hike interest rates this month.
Westpac has refunded $20 million to about 820,000 customers after failing to clearly disclose which credit card transactions attract foreign transaction fees.
The Australian dollar is steady against the US dollar as investors await more local and international data, plus comments from the Reserve Bank of Australia Governor designate Philip Lowe.
The Australian share market has made some solid gains as the prospect of an interest rate hike in the US in September was pared back following some weaker-than-expected US jobs figures on Friday night.
The Australian share market has opened lower, hurt by losses across the board following a disappointing session on Wall Street and a rally in the US dollar.
The Australian share market lost steam throughout the afternoon session to close slightly higher as gains in health care, resource and banking stocks offset losses in Woolworths and Telstra.
SPECIAL REPORT: Small businesses have taken a hit as confidence drops and the economy slows, but there are a few things governments can do to begin to alleviate the pain.
The share market has closed only modestly higher, despite US markets hitting record levels overnight, weighed down by weakness from market heavyweights Westpac and Telstra.
Westpac shares have dropped almost three per cent after the bank followed its rivals in reporting an increase in doubtful debts over the third quarter.
The Australian share market has closed slightly higher, with the big banks holding up the bourse in light trading following a weak lead from US markets
An increase in office vacancies in Perth's CBD has shifted the market dynamic clearly in favour of tenants, but despite a historically high level of empty floors, there is little choice for companies that need a lot of space.
The Australian dollar has fallen and economists say a Reserve Bank rate cut is more likely next Tuesday following the release of data showing annual inflation is at its lowest level since June 1999.
Global accounting giant KPMG and insurance group CGU have joined a host of firms searching through Perth's 400,000-plus square metres of vacant office space for new homes.
The Australian dollar gold price hit an all-time record of $1,826 an ounce today after Britain elected to leave the European Union, with shares in local gold miners rallying strongly even though the broader stock market tumbled more than 3 per cent.
Australia's major banks face soft profit growth amid growing macroeconomic risks linked to low interest rates and government tax policy, according to Fitch.
Baptistcare manager, marketing, PR and communications Paula Rogers has been appointed the new Committee for Economic Development of Australia state director.
Unemployment in Western Australia increased slightly last month, with the jobless rate ticking up by 0.1 percentage point while the national rate remained unchanged.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has put a positive spin on the local jobs outlook, but says another rate cut could be on the cards because of weak inflation.
Smaller iron ore miners were the big winners today after the iron ore price surged overnight, whereas Fortescue Metals Group failed to sustain Monday's big gains despite announcing a joint venture and investment deal with Brazil's Vale.
Energy giant Woodside Petroleum has bolstered its board with the appointment of a former Shell executive, while Dacian Gold has welcomed a prominent lawyer to its board.
Ardiden has appointed Bradley Boyle as executive director and Michael Stares as general manager – Canadian operations. Mr Boyle was formerly a managing director of Triton Minerals.
Local vendors of The Big Issue showed prominent Perth business leaders and politicians what it's like to sell the street magazine today as part of a campaign to increase awareness of the everyday challenges facing the homeless and disadvantaged.
Australia's big four banks and one insurance company have been ranked within the top 100 most sustainable companies in the world, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia leading the charge for the nation.
WA chief executives are hoping a federal election year and a new direction from Malcolm Turnbull will ignite reforms needed to get the state moving again, according to the latest CEO survey by Business News.
The corporate watchdog has banned a former Northbridge-based bank manager from providing financial services for stealing up to $515,000 during his tenure.
At 26 per cent WA has the highest gender pay gap in the nation, but many of the state's female business leaders are working on addressing equality in the workplace.
