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The Australian dollar edged higher against the US dollar, which fell along with the major US share markets on worries over the stability of the Trump administration.

Oil prices settled at a two-week high on Wednesday after U.S crude inventories declined for the sixth straight week, a positive sign for markets ahead of next week's OPEC meeting, where major oil producers are expected to extend supply cuts.

Local builders say they're disappointed by the state government's decision to axe a $5,000 boost to the first home owner's grant, with one of Western Australia's peak housing bodies describing the

The share market has posted its biggest fall in almost two months as the battle between the Turnbull government and the big banks over a proposed $6.2 billion bank levy weighs on investor sentiment towards the financial sector.

An infrastructure delivery company that had carried out work on the NBN rollout in Perth has collapsed.

Local indigenous business Redspear Safety has won a contract to supply lifting and rigging equipment across all Fortescue Metals Group operational sites, for an undisclosed sum.

A slight improvement in economic conditions helped regional Western Australia's regional median house price improve in the previous quarter, Real Estate Institute of Western Australia president Hayden Groves says.

Mineral sands explorer Strandline Resources has completed a share placement to raise $5.2 million for ongoing work at its Fungouni project in Tanzania.

OPINION: Held at Spacecubed earlier this month, Perth's 10th Startup Weekend brought together some of the brightest minds in startup tech.

Premier Mark McGowan says he would like the resources companies that make large profits out of the state's resources to do more when it comes to paying tax and fulfilling other corporate responsibilities, such as providing local jobs and content.

Troubled sandalwood producer Quintis has extended its ASX suspension by a week to review its operations and update its earnings guidance.

Aspiring potash producer Danakali has tapped investors for $12.3 million as it moves ahead with development of its Colluli project in Africa.

Wesfarmers has decided against spinning-off its Officeworks stores via an initial public offering due to the market's current dim view of retail stocks.

The Australian market has opened lower despite another record close for the Nasdaq in the US.

The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq is drifting higher to hit record intraday levels, supported by gains in technology and consumer staple stocks.

Coalition's war on banks gets personalThe relationship between the government and the big banks is now toxic after Malcolm Turnbull and his senior mini

The Australian dollar inched higher against the US dollar, which fell overnight partly on concerns about the US administration.

The state government has introduced priority legislation that would give the auditor general new powers to audit local government councils, in order to raise the standard of accountability in the sector.

Construction will start on Sirona Capital's $270 million Kings Square Fremantle revitalisation project in August, with national construction contractor Probuild signed to carry out the works.

Professional services organisation KPMG hopes to better assist companies affected by changes to foreign worker laws after acquiring the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA's migration services division for an undisclosed sum.

The share market has closed higher as gains by miners outweighed falls from two major banks that were sold off as they traded ex-dividend.

Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia says Western Australia has been dudded in the federal government's $89 billion naval shipbuilding plan, of which WA will receive just over $3 billion of work, while the prime minister has lauded it as “unashamedly nationalistic”.

Fremantle-based livestock exporter Wellard has appointed Chinese businessman Kanda Lu as an executive director in an effort to boost the company's expansion into China's beef cattle market.

Federal Labor is having a bet each way on the government's new billion-dollar bank levy, backing its introduction but supporting a banker's call for a public inquiry.

ANALYSIS: The fortunes of an iconic residential property developer are a pointer to the health of WA's economy.

Perth-based Musgrave Minerals has tapped investors for $3 million to fund exploration work at its Cue gold project in the Murchison region.

Embattled Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi will have to wait until at least June to learn her penalty for seriously breaching local government laws.

Mining explosives maker Orica has held on to its cautious full-year outlook after spending cuts and business improvement initiatives helped it offset higher costs in the first half of the year.

The Australian market has started strongly after the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq hit record highs in the US, powered by rising oil prices and advancing technology stocks.

Gold rose as U.S. political turmoil, a missile test by North Korea and a worldwide cyber attack fuelled demand for safe-haven assets, while weaker-than-expected U.S. data pushed the dollar lower, making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies.

Oil jumped 2 per cent to its highest in more than three weeks on Monday, topping $US52 a barrel after Saudi Arabia and Russia said that supply cuts need to last into 2018, a step towards extending an OPEC-led deal to support prices for longer than first agreed.

Henry's bank tax assaultThe federal budget's bank tax has taken tax policy back to the 1980s, disrupted the governance of the financial system, and perpetuated a dishon