National Business

TORONTO — Canadian bank stocks have been riding a wave of investor optimism so far this year, but analysts say the first-quarter results that start arriving later this week will be a reminder of the mixed economic picture ahead.

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares declined Wednesday after stocks tumbled on Wall Street as worries persist about higher interest rates and their tightening squeeze on the global economy. Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 dipped 1.4% in morning trading to 27,100.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Tuesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,252.64, down 262.60): Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Up 85 cents, or 1.91 per cent, to $45.44 on 14.9 million shares.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was down almost 1.3 per cent Tuesday with broad-based losses led by technology, healthcare and financials, while U.S. stock markets slid more than two per cent. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 262.

TORONTO — As overall inflation slows, the cost of food continues to climb for Canadians — but experts say there should be some relief by the end of the year. Food prices grew by 10.

CALGARY — Suncor Energy Inc. has given the all-clear after responding to a vapor leak at its Commerce City refinery in Colorado.

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Tuesday that Moscow was suspending its participation in the New START treaty — the last remaining nuclear arms control pact with the United States — sharply upping the ante amid tensions with Wa

TORONTO — BMO Financial Group has signed a deal with BNP Paribas for a long-term agreement to help support its commercial banking clients. BMO completed its acquisition of California-based Bank of the West from BNP Paribas on Feb. 1.

CALGARY — A familiar face is returning to Canada's oil industry. Rich Kruger, who led Imperial Oil Ltd. as president and CEO from 2013 until his retirement in 2019, has been named the new chief executive of Suncor Energy Inc.

OTTAWA — The annual inflation rate slowed more than expected in January, suggesting the Bank of Canada is likely content with its decision to pause rate hikes as price pressures continue to ease.