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Gold surged above $US1,200 an ounce to its highest in seven weeks on Thursday as the US dollar fell after US President-elect Donald Trump's long-awaited news conference gave few details on economic policy.

The state government has committed $37 million to an ambitious desalination and irrigation project in the South West that is led by Perth business executive Peter Fogarty and will cost an estimated $380 million.

Perth-based wearable technology company Nuheara has received certification for the sale of its IQbuds in the US.

SPECIAL REPORT: More than 5 million jobs in Australia are at risk of digital disruption during the next 20 years, with a range of industries having already exchanged human capital for automated software and machinery.

SPECIAL REPORT: Several high-profile schools have announced plans for restrained fee changes, including some freezes and reductions, in order to stay competitive after several years of weak economic performance in Western Australia.

SPECIAL REPORT: As Australian businesses grapple with a rapidly evolving and increasingly digitised economy, educators are shifting focus to the skills required in an uncertain future.

Shares in BC Iron closed 20 per cent higher today after the Perth-based iron ore junior announced record quarterly earnings from its Iron Valley mine.

The share market has closed slightly lower as early momentum provided by a higher Australian dollar and commodity prices was outweighed by a negative response to US President-elect Donald Trump's first press conference in six months.

Fresh from a year that delivered major political shocks and proved tougher than expected, Australian business leaders are taking a cautious approach to 2017.

Plans for a new section of Great Northern Highway will be progressed by Main Roads after the state government gave its nod for a bypass of Bindoon.

OPINION: Reiwa members reported an increase in weekly sales to 418 this week. The overall 104 per cent increase in sales is attributed to a 121 per cent increase in sales for houses, 106 per cent for units and 11 per cent for vacant land.

Aspiring miner Dacian Gold has started construction of its Mt Morgans project near Laverton, after finalising regulatory approvals and locking in a $150 million funding deal over the Christmas break.

Power outages are affecting 35,000 residents across Perth and Western Australia's South West.

ANALYSIS: The popularity of online shopping in the US has reached a tipping point, breaking bricks and mortar retailers' hold on the market.

A joint venture between BGC Contracting and Laing O'Rourke has been confirmed as the successful bidder for a $417 million contract to deliver the second stage of the Northlink WA roads project.

The share market is higher as investors continue to bet on gains, driving strength in the miners and banks.

One Nation learning from mistakes as Culleton goesNew Western Australian One Nation leader Colin Tincknell has conceded his party may have selected can

The Australian dollar has jumped more than half a US cent amid renewed uncertainty about Donald Trump's policies following his first press conference as US president.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday by the most in over a month, boosted as the US dollar weakened following a news conference by US President-elect Donald Trump, and on news that Saudi Arabia had cut exports to Asia.

Gold rose to a seven-week high on Wednesday, turning positive as the dollar dropped and Treasury yields fell after US President-elect Donald Trump spoke in his first formal news conference just days before taking office.

The Rio Tinto Naturescape Kings Park facility will close next month to allow a $3 million expansion, which has been funded by the mining giant.

Fastbrick Robotics was Techboard's highest ranking company for December, after the recently ASX-listed robotic bricklayer won the Mitsubishi Corporation WA Innovator of the Year award, and also completed an $8 million capital raising from Hunter Hall Investment Management.

A now de-registered Perth-based builder has been fined $15,000 and ordered to pay $3,200 in costs after he was found to have engaged in deceptive conduct.

BGC Construction received a $16.7 million contract for new primary school at Rapids Landing in Margaret River.

Strong gains by resources companies including Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have lifted the share market, despite falls by the banks.

A new code of conduct for the state's construction sector has been hailed as a game-changer for the industry, with the potential to reduce costs across the board by 20 per cent.

Rental, hiring and real estate services were among the industries that fared worst as external administrations jumped 14 per cent in Western Australia for the September quarter, as insolvency experts warn that an economic rebound has not yet clearly emerged.

Padbury Mining has again attracted regulatory attention, with the company acknowledging it should have notified the ASX when it negotiated potential capital raisings worth $106 million with a Hong Kong-based investor last year.

WA Senator Rod Culleton says he will appeal against a Federal Court ruling that he is bankrupt as he fights to save his political career.

Junior gold miners Ramelius Resources and Saracen Mineral Holdings have posted solid quarters, with Ramelius achieving its production targets for a 12th consecutive quarter.

Recently listed marine technology company VEEM has flagged gross profit in line with expectations, but expects to report a smaller net result than what was forecast in its prospectus, on the back of a one-off cost.

ANZ Banking Group has announced its second asset sale in two weeks as it continues efforts to streamline the business and bolster its capital.