Western Australian Business, Finance, Political, & Economic news

Perron Group takes half stake in Galleria
Shopping centre owner Perron Group has added to its bulging portfolio, snapping up 50 per cent stakes in Morley Galleria, The Glen in Melbourne and Colonnades in Adelaide from Centro Retail Australia for $690.4 million.
CBA set to post first $7bn bank profit
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) shares have dropped despite posting a profit of $1.7 billion for the three months to March. CBA's unaudited net profit for the third quarter of its fiscal year was slightly lower than had been forecast by analysts.
Mining skill shortage continues
The building of mines and related infrastructure will continue to underpin the non-home construction sector for the next two years, a survey says. But as the sector surges, skilled workers will become harder to find.
Budget expected bleak Europe outlook: Swan
Treasurer Wayne Swan does not perceive a need to update budget forecasts because of recent events in Europe, saying Treasury has already accounted for a bleak outlook.
BHP won't spend $80bn on expansion: Nasser
BHP Billiton chairman Jacques Nasser says the global miner will not spend the $80 billion on growth projects that it said it would, stepping back from previous commitments.