National Business

LONDON — The EU's efforts to rein in the power of big tech companies such as Google and Facebook through antitrust investigations have taken too long, dulling their effectiveness, a report said Thursday.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

“Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t skipping theatres or moving to 2021, but it is altering course. The last big blockbuster holdout of 2020 is still opening in U.S.

MONTREAL — The real estate arm of Quebec's pension fund manager has laid off about 50 people, mostly outside of Quebec, as it continues efforts to turn around the performance of its shopping centres.

CN Rail may only have to consider another painful round of layoffs if COVID-19's second wave causes shipping volumes to drop dramatically again, its chief executive said Wednesday.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,889.82, down 58.24 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Up 14 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $20.11 on 12.5 million shares.

TORONTO — North American stock markets reversed an early upward climb as a shutdown of New York City schools heightened concerns about a spread of pandemic lockdowns.

CALGARY — The organization that represents Canadian drilling contractors is forecasting a 14 per cent increase in the number of oil and gas wells to be drilled in Canada in 2021 compared with historic lows this year, but warns the outlook remains dep

CALGARY — The CEO of wood pellet maker Peak Renewables says deals to buy forest tenure and mill assets in the Fort Nelson area of northeastern B.C. from Canfor Corp. are part of its plan to build a new 600,000-tonne-per-year pellet plant there.

MONTREAL — Metro Inc., one of the country's top three grocery retailers, is expediting its push into online food ordering and home delivery, as e-commerce grocery sales continue to beat expectations.