National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index finished slightly higher on Wednesday, driven partly by gains in the consumer cyclicals sector, while U.S. stock markets were mixed. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 12.55 points at 26,869.66.

The British Columbia government is loosening the rules for payment of development fees in a bid to jump start home construction that has been hampered by upfront costs.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked higher on Wednesday to hit another all-time high. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% and set a record for the third time in four days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by 10 points, or less than 0.

Sobeys parent company Empire Co. Ltd. has officially signed on as the first retailer member of Canada's new grocery code of conduct, as work continues to develop governance rules for members ahead of a full implementation by Jan. 1.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam Wednesday that would allow U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free. Vietnamese exports to the United States, by contrast, would face a 20% levy.

MONTREAL — A major aircraft deal sent Bombardier Inc. shares to a seven-year high on Wednesday after the company announced a firm order for its aircraft with an unidentified buyer.

CALGARY — The Calgary Real Estate Board says home sales in the city decreased 16.5 per cent in June compared with last year as higher levels of new listings led to inventory gain.

Microsoft is laying off thousands of workers, its second mass layoff in months and its largest in more than two years. The tech giant began sending out layoff notices Wednesday that hit the company's Xbox video game business and other divisions.

Del Monte Foods, the 139-year-old company best known for its canned fruits and vegetables, is filing for bankruptcy protection as U.S. consumers increasingly bypass its products for healthier or cheaper options. Del Monte has secured $912.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam Wednesday that would allow U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free. Vietnamese exports to the United States, by contrast, would face a 20% levy.