Tim Treadgold

OPINION: Long-term low interest rates could fundamentally alter the way the economy works, with significant social flow-on effects.

The fact that online retail still comprises a relatively small part of total sales is cold comfort to bricks-and-mortar businesses.

OPINION: WA has no control over the biggest issue facing its short-term economic outlook – the US-China trade war, which could cut demand for the state’s commodities.

An exotic mineral once mined Iluka Resources could bring about a resurgence in demand, as US-China tensions persist.

With the Environmental Protection Authority starting public consultation today on its greenhouse gas assessments, the state government could do more to provide certainty for investors in WA’s potential gas projects.

Two new German supermarket businesses covering the top and bottom ends of the market are expected in Australia next year.

OPINION: Could this be another boom moment in WA’s mining industry as global demand for the key commodities picks up pace?

Andrew Forrest has pounced on a potential play to supply WA gas to an east coast industrial market pounded by high prices.

OPINION: Damaging supermarket prices wars and more online shoppers have turned the screws on a besieged retail property sector.

OPINION: The stubbornly high level of unemployment – despite a stronger economy – has many worried, particularly as new mining technologies increasingly cut into workforces.

OPINION: Muffled by the drumbeat of election campaigning as Australia heads towards its May 18 poll is a more sinister noise, demands for a big cut in interest rates, or the dumping of “helicopter” cash on the community – or both.

OPINION: The Western Australian government’s love affair with Western Power is unlikely to be dimmed by local events any time soon, but a new force has been unleashed in the international marketplace as global oil companies morph into global electricity companies.

OPINION: Global oversupply and price pressure, in addition to local environmental regulations, could spell trouble for major LNG projects.

OPINION: The airline industry is tightly controlled, social media not so, but both have highlighted the failures of poor after-sales service.

ANALYSIS: As many retailers struggle to deal with the internet revolution, Wesfarmers is undertaking two significant experiments in managing the disruptive influence of online trading to bricks-and-mortar businesses.

OPINION: Emissions concerns are one factor driving change in the car industry, but the transport habits of a changing demographic are also in play.

OPINION: The clash between domestic politics and international climate-change law was on stark display in WA last week as the EPA weighed in with an emissions recommendation.

OPINION: Australia may have avoided a recession for more than a quarter of a century, but with a whiff of panic wafting off the Sydney property market and the Reserve Bank tipped to cut interest rates, there is growing concern that something nasty is about to bite.

OPINION: China is flexing its muscles on trade, and whatever the motivation Australian businesses should have contingency plans (other customers).

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.

OPINION: This reporting season will most likely deliver some uncomfortable news for the retail sector.

Opinion: WA miners stand to benefit as China appears more likely to ride out the damaging trade war run by Donald Trump.

Opinion: WA should be careful not to be railroaded into supplying gas to the eastern states via a transcontinental gas pipeline.

Opinion: Amidst the ongoing shakeup in the retail sector, driven by internet shopping, an investment opportunity has arisen in property.

The protracted Brexit negotiations, a tough-talking new leader in Brazil, and a buoyant gold price all bode well for WA in the year ahead.

Domestic and international events are on a collision course, with 2019 to pose a plethora of challenges for business leaders.

Opinion: Two high-profile billionaires have the state government in their sights, and Premier Mark McGowan has some tough decisions ahead.

Opinion: All signs point to a tough year ahead as international trade events meet tightening credit conditions amidst falling house prices and likely changes to negative gearing.

The downfall of RCR Tomlinson is another reminder of the dangers of a business getting out over its skis.

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: Via a mix of good fortune and planning, WA has positioned itself as supplier to the fast-growing economies of Asia rather than a competitor. This article is part of a special series to mark Business News' 25-year anniversary.

ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: From those who risked their own capital to the corporate cowboys of WA Inc and the ‘hired help’ of today, WA’s corporate story features many powerful personalities. This article is part of a special series to mark Business News' 25-year anniversary.

WA’s economic outlook is more optimistic than those of other states, mainly due to its food, energy and minerals exports.