National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index finished higher on Wednesday, helped by strength in consumer cyclicals, while U.S. stock markets also rose as investors see more clarity on trade.

OTTAWA — The federal government announced $25 million in funding today for companies to build more than 850 electric vehicle chargers, mostly in Quebec.

Consumers are still seeking local products, but executives at one of Canada's biggest grocers say the buy Canadian movement is starting to lose some steam. "It's decelerating somewhat," Metro Inc.

Shares in Hudbay Minerals Inc. surged after it announced a deal with Mitsubishi Corp. to sell a 30 per cent stake in an Arizona copper project the Toronto-based miner says will support U.S. national security goals. Hudbay's stock closed at C$15.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks notched some more records as a rally spurred by hopes for lower U.S. interest rates wrapped around the world. The S&P 500 rose 0.3% Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1%, while the Nasdaq added 0.

OTTAWA — Newly released documents show some members of the Bank of Canada were wondering last month whether the central bank’s benchmark interest rate is already low enough to support the Canadian economy through U.S. tariffs.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — GE Appliances plans to shift production of refrigerators, gas ranges and water heaters out of China and Mexico as part of a more than $3 billion investment to expand its U.S.

WINNIPEG — Two Indigenous groups in Manitoba have agreed to work together on major infrastructure and development projects. It comes as the federal government looks to fast-track projects across the country.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A group led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Don Dundon has reached a tentative agreement with Paul Allen’s estate to buy the Trail Blazers and keep the team in Portland.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Paul Allen’s estate has agreed to a tentative agreement to sell the Portland Trail Blazers to a group led by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon.