National Business

TORONTO — Strength in the energy sector helped buoy Canada's main stock index to close flat on Wednesday while U.S. markets moved lower. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down less than one point at 19,899.07.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's electric utility has been fined $750,000 for failing to meet 2022 performance targets set by the provincial regulator.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Federal Reserve officials last month still regarded high inflation as an ongoing threat that could require further interest rate increases, according to the minutes of their July 25-26 meeting released Wednesday.

CALGARY — A Canadian company that is pioneering the use of direct air capture technology to remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere has been acquired by U.S. oil company Occidental Petroleum. The US$1.1-billion deal will see Squamish, B.C.

NEW YORK (AP) — Some Bank of Ireland customers were able to withdraw money they did not have Tuesday and early Wednesday after an hours-long technical glitch that also halted many of the bank's online services.

Bus maker NFI Group Inc. plans to ramp up production after being hard-hit by supply chain issues during the pandemic, saying it could reach 2019 output levels in two years.

LONDON (AP) — The British Museum said Wednesday that a member of its staff has been dismissed after items were found to be missing, stolen or damaged.

TORONTO — Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast Auto Ltd. has soared in its market debut as it works to expand into the North American market. The company, which merged its Canadian and U.S.

MONTREAL — The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec says it earned a return of 4.2 per cent in the first six months of the year. CDPQ says the result compared with its benchmark portfolio's return of 4.1 per cent.

NEW YORK (AP) — Target's second quarter sales were hit by inflation and a negative reaction by some customers, widely publicized on social media, to its Pride merchandise .