Latest Headlines

Soft commodity prices have driven the market capitalisation of Western Australia's listed companies lower, bringing recent gains to an end.

Point of sale financing group ThinkSmart has put a plan to return capital to shareholders on the backburner just months after proposing the scheme.

Mirvac Group has cleared the way for development of its next high-rise apartment tower at Burswood after overcoming objections from local residents and the local council to its revised plans.

Beverages giant Lion says being dumped as Woolworths' milk supplier in Western Australia for rival Brownes will affect production volumes at its Bentley milk processing plant.

Australian shares have made modest gains but a traders say a relatively flat day was disappointing after the release of strong Chinese economic data.

Engineering and consulting group GHD has announced it will acquire specialist architecture and design firm Woodhead.

The Franchise Council of Australia has criticised planned federal government reforms, claiming there is inconsistency between Small Business Minister Bruce Billson's stated intentions and draft changes to the franchising code of conduct.

Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens has urged the federal government to take a longer term view on budget outcomes, echoing similar sentiments from Treasury Secretary Martin Parkinson.

It's amazing what an improvement a new owner can bring to a business, which is why the proposed break-up of Australia's biggest company, BHP Billiton, is excellent news for Western Australia, particularly the Goldfields and South West.

Retail spending is continuing its steady recovery, posting it 10th consecutive monthly rise despite a weak employment outlook.

The federal government could take a fresh look at negative gearing rules in the May budget to help balance the books and make housing more affordable and accessible.

Labor has defended the preselection of union boss Joe Bullock after it emerged he has a prior conviction for assault.

Former 40under40 winner Andrew Thorburn is set to take the reins at National Australia Bank, following the retirement of long-serving chief executive Cameron Clyne.

BHP Billiton's divestment of its West Musgrave nickel project to Cassini Resources has had a dramatic and valuable impact on the junior miner's share price.

The parties gearing up to contest Saturday's WA Senate election re-un have expressed alarm at reports 75 pre-poll votes were allegedly cast into an unsecured polling box in the lead up to the poll.

The Australian share market has opened higher after markets in the United States continued their rise overnight.

The S&P 500 has risen to a new high, but the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell just short of a record on another good day for stocks.

Oil prices have reversed an early drop and ended with modest losses, with tensions over Ukraine and a fall in US stockpiles offsetting selling pressure.

The Australian dollar has traded within a tight range overnight as investors await key economic data and a speech by Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens.

Arthur Sinodinos probably wouldn't be appearing before a NSW ICAC hearing if disclosure of lobbying activities had already been legislated.

There are signs of progress at one of the city's most infamous vacant plots of land, the Old Emu Brewery site on Mounts Bay Road.

A draft report into the behaviour of former West Australian treasurer Troy Buswell is being examined by the state solicitor.

Franchise groups face fines of up to $51,000 for serious breaches of the Franchising Code of Conduct under draft reforms released today by the federal government.

Business owners need to know how to maintain the integrity of their information security systems, particularly in light of new privacy provisions.

IMX Resources has underlined its focus on its South Australian iron ore assets, moving its corporate head office from West Perth to Adelaide and appointing a new Adelaide-based managing director.

Perth-based financial services group Pioneer Credit is looking to raise more than $40 million with the sale of just over half the company through an IPO which will provide capital for the group to expand its debt purchasing.

The success of a Korean restaurant at Waterford Plaza has a major shopping centre operator wanting more.

Organisers of the Perth International Jazz Festival are hopeful an expanded multi-stage event and a growing profile will help boost ticket sales this year by 13 per cent on 2013.

Resources sector professionals are choosing to live in the inner city instead of the urban fringe, contrary to traditional notions that fly-in, fly-out workers prefer to live in the outer suburbs.

Strength in the resources sector has driven the share market higher, due to optimism about China's economy.

Fortescue Metals Group has taken control of ore processing and train load out facilities at its Solomon Hub project previously managed by Leighton Contractors.

Westpac will donate $100 million to set up Australia's largest private scholarship program, giving university students the opportunity to study in Asia.