National Business

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says wholesale sales rose 0.3 per cent in August to $70.3 billion, the first increase following two months of declines. The agency says the gain came as sales of food, beverage and tobacco products rose 3.

BERLIN (AP) — Three German parties aim to open formal coalition talks after all made gains in last month's election, moving a step closer to a new government that would send outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel's center-right bloc into opposition.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law a bill raising the nation's debt limit until early December, delaying the prospect of an unprecedented federal default that would cause economic disaster.

The Canadian Association of Journalists said Facebook Inc.'s recent policy to better protect journalists from harassment is a welcome change, but more work needs to be done by the technology sector at large.

U.S. health advisers said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago should get a half-dose booster to rev up protection against the coronavirus.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,819.94, up 201.47 points.) The Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 47 cents, or 0.55 per cent, to $85.51 on 17.

A plan that saw a small town in northern Ontario offer vacant lots for as little as $500 has helped revive its economy, officials said Thursday, drawing dozens of families and more than doubling property values.

TORONTO — Strong U.S. earnings and supportive economic data powered North American stock markets higher with Canada's main index hitting a one-month high.

TORONTO — Purolator Inc. is bulking up on staff, vehicles and pickup locations as it braces for its busiest holiday season yet.

LONDON (AP) — A work by British street artist Banksy that sensationally self-shredded just after it sold at auction three years ago fetched 18.5 million pounds ($25.