National Business

TORONTO — The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has asked the federal government to hold Canada Pension Plan premiums at current levels next year when they're scheduled to rise.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sales of existing homes rose for a fifth straight month in October, reaching a level not seen since before the housing bubble popped 14 years ago. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday existing homes sales rose 4.

LONDON — The EU's efforts to rein in the power of big tech companies such as Google and Facebook through antitrust investigations have taken too long, dulling their effectiveness, a report said Thursday.

WASHINGTON — The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

“Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t skipping theatres or moving to 2021, but it is altering course. The last big blockbuster holdout of 2020 is still opening in U.S.

MONTREAL — The real estate arm of Quebec's pension fund manager has laid off about 50 people, mostly outside of Quebec, as it continues efforts to turn around the performance of its shopping centres.

CN Rail may only have to consider another painful round of layoffs if COVID-19's second wave causes shipping volumes to drop dramatically again, its chief executive said Wednesday.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,889.82, down 58.24 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Up 14 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $20.11 on 12.5 million shares.

TORONTO — North American stock markets reversed an early upward climb as a shutdown of New York City schools heightened concerns about a spread of pandemic lockdowns.

CALGARY — The organization that represents Canadian drilling contractors is forecasting a 14 per cent increase in the number of oil and gas wells to be drilled in Canada in 2021 compared with historic lows this year, but warns the outlook remains dep