National Business

TORONTO — Broad-based strength helped buoy Canada's main stock index against losses in the energy sector Wednesday, while U.S. markets rose, particularly the Nasdaq which gained two per cent. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 16.

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rose to its highest level since the summer following the latest hike to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, which said it’s finally seeing improvements in inflation.

Higher grocery prices are expected to hit stores across Canada as a blackout on price increases over the holiday season comes to an end. Last fall, Loblaw Cos. Ltd. said it would lock-in prices on all its in-house No Name products until Jan.

TORONTO — BMO Financial Group says it has closed its US$16.3 billion acquisition of Bank of the West more than 13 months after initially announcing the deal. The bank says the closing of the deal adds nearly 1.

CALGARY — The Calgary Real Estate Board says January's new listings fell to a level not seen since the last 90s as home sales declined 40 per cent from the year before.

CALGARY — The estimated cost of the Coastal GasLink pipeline has increased by 29 per cent to $14.5 billion, as the company behind the project continues to be dogged by unexpected construction issues and rising labour costs.

OTTAWA — Terrie Meehan sometimes eats just one meal a day so she can stretch her food supply. The $1,100 a month she receives from the Ontario Disability Support Program just doesn't go that far.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — A Romanian court on Wednesday upheld a second 30-day detention for the divisive influencer and former professional kickboxer Andrew Tate who is held on suspicion of organized crime and human trafficking, an official said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. job openings rose to 11 million in December, delivering a setback to the Federal Reserve's effort to cool a hot job market. Openings were up from 10.

Experts say Canada’s plan to increase immigration may ease some pressures in the labour market, but bigger changes are needed to ensure new permanent residents are matched with the jobs that most need filling.