Palladium jumped above the $US1,500 per ounce mark for the first time overnight, propelled by a stark supply deficit, while gold hit a 10-month high on a weaker US dollar as investors awaited cues on US monetary policy.
Crude prices rose more than 1 per cent overnight to their highest level this year on hopes that oil markets will balance later this year, helped by output cuts from top producers as well as US sanctions on OPEC members Iran and Venezuela.
Kalium Lakes is a step closer to starting construction on its Beyondie potash project near Newman after receiving $74 million in funding, making it the latest in a string of mining companies to win financial backing from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
Shares in NRW Holdings and Seven Group Holdings were stronger today after reporting improved earnings on the back of strong resources and infrastructure markets, with NRW adding its first interim dividend in five years.
More than a third of visitors to Western Australia who used Airbnb said they would never have had a holiday if it wasn't for the online home-share platform, the company asserted today, as it fought back against criticism by Tourism Council WA and the Australian Hotels Association.
Perth startup QuizJam, which was best known for its quiz widget, has been remaned Komo to reflect its range of digital engagement tools. The rebranding followed a successful private capital raising.
Michael Malone-chaired Sky and Space Global has received binding commitments to raise $12 million via a share placement, with a further $3 million to be raised through a priority offer.
Apartments developer Finbar Group is poised for a strong performance in the second half of the 2019 financial year, forecasting a solid uplift on its first-half net profit of $1.89 million with the expected completion of its Vue Tower and the first stage of the Palmyra Apartment Estate.
Intrepid Mines and AIC Resources have agreed to a revised merger deal, less than three weeks after Intrepid's initial attempt to acquire the Subico-based gold junior lapsed.
National property development company Stockland Corporation has reported a decline in half-year funds from operations and warned of weaker full-year results due to a steep decline in the residential property market.
Fortescue Metals Group has reported a 5 per cent dip in half-year profit, but blew past estimates as it won higher prices for its iron ore, pushing its shares to a two-year high.
Woolworths shares have taken a knock after the supermarket giant reported a disappointing first half and flagged subdued consumer spending for the foreseeable future.
Oil prices were mixed overnight as concerns about global crude oil demand and uncertainty over the latest round of US-China trade talks countered investor optimism around tightening supplies.
Palladium scaled a record peak to within striking distance of the $US1,500 level overnight fuelled by a sharp supply deficit, while gold climbed 1 per cent to hit a 10-month high on a weaker US dollar and global growth jitters.
BHP Group has posted an 8 per cent fall in first-half underlying profit to $US3.7 billion ($5.2 billion), which it attributed to production disruptions and lower commodity prices.
Sandfire Resources has reported a first-half profit fall of 18.8 per cent, which the gold and copper miner said was due to increased exploration and project costs.
Diversified property company M/Group has expanded its portfolio into Queensland through the $36 million, off-market acquisition of Pialba Place Shopping Centre in Hervey Bay.
Former BGC Australia Residential boss Kelvin Ryan is bringing a distinct Western Australian flavour to his role as managing director of Victorian homebuilder Simonds Group, signing prominent Perth property executive Kate O'Hara to head the company's marketing operations.
OPINION: While not all WA's economic indicators are pointing in the right direction, there's plenty of cause for optimism, particularly in the minerals and agriculture sectors.
