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The Australian dollar has slipped a little against its US counterpart which has strengthened to a one-week high against a basket of six major currencies.

Oil prices are little changed, trading near their highest since May 2015, as political concerns in some OPEC nations offset projections for higher US oil production.

Gold has edged lower, retreating further from last week's 3-1/2-month high as the US dollar regained some ground against the buoyant euro and traders bet on further US interest rate hikes after Friday's payrolls data. The dollar, which has remained weak after its biggest annual drop since 2003, had helped to lift assets priced in the US currency, with gold last week registering a fourth straight weekly gain for the first time since April.

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Former Rio Tinto executive Denise Goldsworthy and former Water Corporation chair Eva Skira have been appointed directors of Western Power, replacing Sharon Warburton and George Cash.

Australian shares have closed slightly higher despite the market giving up most of its early gains, lifted by support for big banks, telcos and healthcare stocks.

City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi says she is focused on diversifying the city's economy away from the mining industry as she returns to work after a four-month absence.

The operators behind UnWined Subiaco and Ice Cream Factory have tailored their approach to curate experiences different to traditional large-scale events.

St John of God Health Care's long-serving chief executive Michael Stanford has resigned to pursue a non-executive career, starting with the board of ASX-listed competitor Healthscope.

Troubled sandalwood producer Quintis says its board intends to advise shareholders to vote against a series of resolutions to spill the board, while also announcing a one week extension on its forbearance agreement.

Mustang Resources has secured a $19.9 million funding package from US institutional investor Arena Investors LP through a multi-tranche convertible note facility, while also announcing plans to raise up to $4 million via an entitlement offer.

The state government has announced six more local businesses that will operate at the new $75 million Yagan Square development, set to be opened next month.

Australia have completed a 4-0 Ashes series win, with Pat Cummins' express pace easing his side to victory by an innings and 123 runs in the SCG finale.

The Australian share market has opened comfortably higher after key indexes around the globe made solid gains.

Power mess still needs to be fixed

The Australian dollar is comfortably higher against a US dollar that has strengthened despite slightly amid weaker-than-expected US jobs data.

Oil prices have dropped from highs last seen in 2015, as soaring US production undermined a 10 per cent rally from December lows that was driven by tightening supply and political tensions in OPEC member Iran.

Australia is in a commanding position after the second day of the final Ashes test, sitting at 2-193 with Steve Smith unbeaten on 44 and Usman Khawaja on 91.

Western Australian merchandise exports were up 22 per cent in the year to November compared with the previous corresponding period, despite the month being slightly softer, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The state government has approved an application from local business Old Salt to install a $2 million event barge on the Swan River near Elizabeth Quay.

Belgium has secured the tie win against Canada in the Hopman Cup at Perth Arena today.

Australian shares have closed higher on broad-based gains, led by banking stocks and a materials sector boosted by rising commodity prices.

Belmont-based Pindan has been awarded an $18 million state government building contract in Carnarvon, while Bunbury-based Perkins Builders has received an $8 million government contract.

A group of Quintis shareholders has requisitioned a general meeting to spill three directors, including chairman Dalton Gooding, with avocado grower Craig Duncan, Kimberley Development Commission director Robert Boshammer and property developer John Allen nominating for roles.

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Struggling gold producer Blackham Resources has released positive production results for December after being given a two-week reprieve on a $14 million debt repayment earlier this week.

Local aged care provider Amana Living has purchased the Settlers Meadow Springs Retirement Village in Mandurah and an adjacent parcel of land from ASX-listed Ingenia Communities Group.

Western Power has engaged digital marketing agency Bonfire to broaden the utility's engagement with customers beyond the traditional means.

Billabong is recommending shareholders accept a formal buyout proposal by the owner of Quiksilver, Roxy and DC Shoes.

Australian shares have opened comfortably higher, following strong gains in commodities and US markets where the Dow Jones index broke above the 25,000 mark for the first time.

Rising cost of energy bites hard