National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday made it harder for the federal government to police water pollution in a decision that strips protections from wetlands that are isolated from larger bodies of water.

TORONTO — A new survey shows more than one in 10 Canadians own an investment property — and their ranks are expected to grow over the next five years.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy grew at a lackluster 1.3% annual rate from January through March as businesses wary of an economic slowdown trimmed their inventories, the government said Thursday in a slight upgrade from its initial estimate.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada raised its dividend as it reported its second-quarter profit fell compared with a year ago and the amount of money it set aside for bad loans rose. The bank says it will now pay a quarterly dividend of $1.

TORONTO — CIBC raised its quarterly dividend as it reported a second-quarter profit of $1.69 billion. The bank said Thursday it will now pay a quarterly dividend of 87 cents per share, up from 85 cents.

CAIRO (AP) — A Hong Kong-flagged ship briefly ran aground Thursday in Egypt's vital Suez Canal, though authorities said they were able to refloat it after it momentarily disrupted the waterway.

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Republican Nevada Gov.

WASHINGTON — The United States won't go into default on its debt, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy predicted Wednesday — but the highest-ranking Republican on Capitol Hill also said it won't be his fault if it does.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,927.69, down 218.32): Manulife Financial Corp. (TSX:MFC). Finance. Down 57 cents, or 2.23 per cent, to $25.02 on 12.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was down more than 200 points Wednesday, with financials, metals and industrials leading the decline, while U.S. stock markets also retreated as debates over the country's debt ceiling remained unresolved.