SPECIAL REPORT: The shake-out in Perth’s legal services market is producing some surprising winners and losers, with one of the best performers being a firm many had expected to wither.

Macmahon Holdings has been chosen by an Indonesia-based company to asses options to expand a copper-gold mine, and has been named preferred contractor under a three-year term if plans to expand go ahead.

Strong sales of computers, cameras and home appliances have helped drive JB Hi-Fi's half-year profit up by nearly 16 per cent to $110.4 million.

Newcrest Mining will pay its first interim dividend in four years after more than doubling first-half profit on the back of higher prices and increased gold and copper production.

The Australia share market has gained ground, thanks to investor demand for growth stocks, including Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and Woodside Petroelum, after Wall Street hit record highs.