National Business

Canada's main stock index closed down slightly Thursday, snapping a five-day "Santa Claus rally" winning streak. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 50.01 points at 21,294.

TORONTO — Canada's largest retail industry group is applauding Ontario's decision to shorten the isolation period for fully vaccinated people who contract COVID-19 as the surging Omicron variant intensifies staffing shortages.

Santa knows if you've been bad or good. But think twice before mimicking his spying tactics on your spouse — it could land you on a naughtier list than your partner.

CALGARY — Enbridge Inc. says the previously announced $1.14-billion deal to sell its stake in Noverco Inc. to a company controlled by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec has closed.

CALGARY — A major Canadian electricity producer is successfully off coal power in this country, nine years ahead of a government deadline. Calgary-based Trans-Alta Corp.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell below 200,000, more evidence that the job market remains strong in the aftermath of last year's coronavirus recession.

TORONTO — Electra Battery Materials Corp. says it has signed a five-year cobalt tolling contract with mining giant Glencore to produce a low carbon, battery grade cobalt product for the electric vehicle market.

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of killing five people in a rampage in Denver is believed to have written fictional books self-published online that named some of his real-life victims and described similar attacks.

DENVER (AP) — A man accused of killing five people in a rampage in Denver is believed to have written fictional books self-published online that named some of his real-life victims and described similar attacks.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Los Angeles business manager whose clients had included Nicki Minaj and the Kardashians was killed, and her boyfriend was charged with murder and torture, authorities said Wednesday.