Oil prices extended their gains overnight, with Brent rising above $US61 a barrel as a surprise drop in US crude inventories and the prospect of further market-supporting action by OPEC and its allies offset some concern over the outlook for demand.
Gold scaled a near two-week peak overnight after weak economic data from the United States raised expectations for another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve while platinum jumped to its highest level in more than three weeks.
Planning Minister Rita Saffioti says the state government is assessing whether it needs to intervene following the rejection of Finbar Group's $365 million Civic Heart proposal in South Perth by planning authorities.
Pre-construction works for stage one of the Bussell Highway dual carriageway project have begun, with the $4.5 million tender awarded to a joint venture between indigenous-owned and operated DK Kaartdijin and civil contractor BCP Group.
Asian Engagement Minister Peter Tinley has talked up Western Australia's business opportunities with Indonesia, as federal parliament is set to ratify a significant trade deal with the South-East Asian country.
The state government has announced a campaign to encourage Western Australians to change their spending habits to better support small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Fortescue Metals Group has recorded a 5 per cent rise in shipments for the September quarter, buoyed by sustained demand for the steel-making ingredient from China.
NRW Holdings subsidiary, RCR Mining Technologies, has secured a contract to design and construct a fifth relocatable crushing plant for Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
Galaxy Resources will scale back shipments from its flagship Mt Cattlin mine by up to 48 per cent, as weak global demand for lithium continues to linger.
Oil rose about 2.5 per cent overnight after government data showed a surprise draw in US crude stocks and as the prospect of deeper output cuts by OPEC and its allies offered support.
Gold gained overnight as some investors sought refuge in the metal after UK MPs pushed the pause button on Brexit while expectations of further monetary easing by central banks lent further support.
Shares in Bentley-based medical cannabis company Botanix Pharmaceuticals have nearly halved, after it released the results of its clinical trial for acne treatment.
Westpac says its full-year results will be reduced by a further $341 million after the bank increased its annual provision for customer remediation to just short of $1 billion.
ASX-listed TNG is seeking a dual listing on the main market of the London Stock Exchange, as the Subiaco-based company hunts for investors to get its $824 million Mount Peake vanadium-titanium-iron project off the ground.
West Perth-based Vimy Resources has announced commitments to raise $3.9 million through a share placement and up to $3 million through a share purchase plan to fund the development of its uranium projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Off-the-plan apartment buyers in Western Australia will receive a 75 per cent rebate on stamp duty for the next two years, capped at $50,000, under a stimulus package unveiled by the state government today that has been roundly welcomed by the development industry.
Surveying services business Veris recorded a 27.8 per cent rise in underlying earnings for the September quarter, underpinned by a substantial cost cutting strategy, which has been welcomed by investors.
Thomas Building has secured works at the $17 million Tambrey Shopping Centre - the first major retail development in Karratha in two decades - and been contracted to build the $6 million Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel.
Rio Tinto could close an unprofitable aluminium smelter on New Zealand's South Island after prices dropped more than 30 per cent over 18 months amid oversupply of the metal.
