Latest Headlines

The Australian share market is marginally higher, with the major banks stronger but most of the big miners weaker.

The Woodside Petroleum-led North West Shelf venture has agreed to proceed with its $1.2 billion Persephone gas project off the Western Australian coast.

The Dow and S&P 500 have edged higher to new records following a stream of mixed US economic data.

All the numbers were a bit more subdued this week with sales coming off last week's peak and listings growth slowing.

Some weak US economic data has helped the Australian dollar rebound after it dropped below 85 US cents for the first time in four years.

Gold prices are virtually unchanged in quiet, pre-holiday trade as investors find little direction in lacklustre US economic data and a flat stock market.

US oil prices have fallen to a new four-year low on growing expectations that OPEC will not take significant action in response to lower oil prices.

Oil and gas producer Neon Energy has said the result of its recent shareholder meeting gives it a mandate to pursue a merger with Melbourne-based MEO, despite receiving renewed notice that key shareholder Evoworld Corporation will call a meeting to remove directors.

The Woodside-led North West Shelf joint venture has struck a new supply agreement that will deliver a small increase in the amount of gas coming into the local market but there is still no word on the future of contracts that account for more than half the state's domestic supply.

Nickel miner Western Areas says it has awarded an offtake agreement to Jinchuan Group, building on a five-year relationship with the Chinese nickel producer.

The share market has rebounded to break November's downward trend, with gains made in every sector.

A mix of both residential and fly-in fly-out workforces is necessary to keep mines competitive, industry giant says.

A lobby group argues WA's central position in the increasingly important Pacific and Indian regions must be key to defence planning.

BC Iron has shed three board members, including its first managing director, to help reduce costs as iron ore prices plunge.

Shares in Perth-based junior Lucapa Diamond Company have surged on news it has signed a 35-year licence to mine alluvial diamonds at the Lulo diamond concession in Angola.

Subiaco-based White Star Resources, which is in the process of acquiring a technology business, will seek shareholder approval to increase its previously announced capital raising to $5 million, to accommodate a new prominent cornerstone investor.

Cabcharge is urging governments to act against ride sharing service Uber, labelling it "illegal and unsafe" and accusing it of tax avoidance.

L7 Solutions co-founders Andrew Milner and Matthew Sullivan have joined the board of Perth-based IT firm Cirrus Networks, while Liberty Resources continues due diligence on its reverse takeover of the business.

Albany-based distiller the Great Southern Distilling Company has been singled out as a world standout whisky producer by renowned critic Jim Murray.

Mining giant Woodside Petroleum will expand its presence off the Moroccan coast after entering into a contract with the country's national oil company for a licence to explore another block of the Doukkala basin.

Perth-based building and construction company JAXON has added a pair of affordable housing projects to its portfolio of works, comprising an $18.6 million apartment project for the Department of Housing and a $22 million complex for Foundation Housing.

Mount Gibson Iron has placed its shares in a trading halt amid ongoing problems at its Koolan Island mine.

Mining services business Ausdrill is slicing $28 million off its revenue forecast after a customer decided to postpone operations in Africa.

The state government has begun the tender process to find a builder for its $430 million Museum of Western Australia, set to be built at the Perth Cultural Centre.

The Australian share market has started higher, led by gains from the big four banks and major miners.

Iron ore prices have slumped to a fresh five-year low, due to an oversupply of the commodity and a slowdown in demand from China.

Wall Street stocks have finished little changed following data showing unexpectedly strong US economic growth in the third quarter, but a drop in consumer confidence in November.

The Australian dollar is weaker after a Reserve Bank official hinted at another rate cut.

Oil prices have tumbled, with the US benchmark down 2.2 per cent, on expectations that the OPEC cartel will not agree to cut output despite ample global supplies.

Gold prices have edged higher, after a day of shuffling between gains and losses as two sets of economic data gave varying pictures of the state of US recovery.

Oil's role in current geopolitical plays may have an effect on some of Australia's massive LNG projects.