National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index gained more than one per cent Thursday on the back of the base metal, energy and industrial sectors, while U.S. markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 263.97 points at 23,475.14.

Empire Co. Ltd. is planning for sunnier economic times on the horizon, as the parent company of Sobeys says it’s continuing to see the sales gap between its discount and full-service stores narrow.

Demands for government intervention in Air Canada labour talks could negatively affect airline competition in Canada, the CEO of travel company Transat AT Inc. said.

TORONTO — The Toronto Transit Commission is ending free public Wi-Fi at its subway stations at the end of the year, citing a steep drop in rider usage along with reliability, security and cost concerns.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose closer to their all-time highs following a couple reports on the economy that came in close to expectations. The S&P 500 climbed 0.7% Thursday and pulled back within 1.3% of its record set in July.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia's opposition parties say they can't understand why the government insists the province doesn't need an enforcement unit to help settle disputes between landlords and tenants.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — People began betting on which political party would win control of Congress in the November elections within minutes of a judge's ruling Thursday allowing the bets — the only ones to be legally approved by a U.S.

Canada Bread is accusing Maple Leaf Foods of using it as a “shield” to avoid liability in the alleged bread price-fixing scheme that’s the subject of two class-action lawsuits and an ongoing Competition Bureau investigation.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — With inflation subsiding, the European Central Bank cut interest rates again on Thursday to prop up tepid growth with lower borrowing costs for companies and home buyers. The U.S.

TORONTO — Tensions are mounting as a potential pilot strike or lockout at Canada's largest airline is only days away with no signs of a breakthrough in talks.