National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index fell more than 250 points in a broad-based decline Wednesday, while U.S. stock markets also fell. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 253.07 points at 20,695.02.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street slipped again after a stronger-than-expected report on the U.S. economy weakened hopes that easier interest rates would arrive soon. The S&P 500 fell 0.6% Wednesday, its second straight drop. The Dow fell 0.

CALGARY — CEO pay in the oil and gas sector has soared with the industry's post-pandemic resurgence and will likely increase even more with the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion this year, a new report projects.

NEW YORK (AP) — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky city has come up with an out-of-this-world campaign to promote tourism. The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau used an infrared laser to beam a message into space to invite extraterrestrial travelers.

TORONTO — Thursday will mark the deadline for Canadian businesses to repay pandemic loans and receive partial forgiveness, a move that business groupssay will spell closure for thousands of struggling companies.

TORONTO — Two members of the Rogers family have settled their differences with their brother Edward and announced their retirement from the Rogers Communications Inc. board of directors after a bruising fight over who should lead the company.

TORONTO — A battle of the sandwich brands is materializing as a pair of U.S. sub companies announce big plans for Canada. Inspire Brands announced Wednesday that its Jimmy John’s banner would use a franchise model to make its way outside the U.S.

TORONTO — Tech’s biggest names spent last year in layoff mode and if the last few weeks are any indication, that pattern is continuing into this year.

OKOTOKS, Alta. — Mullen Group Ltd. says it has signed a letter of intent to buy logistics company ContainerWorld Forwarding Services Inc. Financial terms of the agreement were not immediately available.