National Business

WASHINGTON — In a surprise move, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a sizable half-percentage point Tuesday in an effort to support the economy in the face of the spreading coronavirus.

NEW YORK — For the second straight week, politics was the dominant force in prime-time television. CBS News' coverage of the Democratic presidential debate from South Carolina last week was easily the most-watched event on television, with 15.

OTTAWA — Mounting cases of the novel coronavirus and ensuing unrest through the economy has upped the odds the Bank of Canada will cut rates this week and maybe more drastically than originally forecasted, economists say.

TORONTO — Ontario's economic development minister has announced he is leading a mining mission to Peru and Ecuador. Vic Fedeli says the trip will focus on mining manufacturing and equipment and will expose Ontario businesses to new markets.

NEW YORK — Target Corp. says there could be periodic shipping delays in merchandise from China while the discounter scrambles to stock up on more household essentials in its U.S. stores as it confronts the repercussions of a spreading new virus.

Hannah Nordman started an emergency savings fund the moment she finished paying off her student loans. The Calgary-based marketing and communications co-ordinator became debt-free two years ago, and promptly decided to get her finances in order.

VIENNA — Iran has nearly tripled its stockpile of enriched uranium since November in violation of its deal with world powers, U.N.

VANCOUVER — Home sales in Metro Vancouver remain well below the 10-year average for the region but sellers continue to hold the upper hand as the real estate board says demand for properties is steady with buyers having little to choose from.

Gloves made in China for the popular French brand Lacoste appear to have been sewn inside a factory where ethnic minorities face forced ideological and behavioural re-education, according to a U.S.-based labour rights group.

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's Green leader has completed a provincial tour and says people want next week's provincial budget to have integrity and compassion.