National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. budget deficit totaled $356.4 billion in the first two months of the budget year, down 17% from the same period a year ago thanks to a sharp jump in government revenues that offset a smaller increase in spending.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A warehouse worker in Tennessee is running up against price increases that far exceed her modest pay raise. The owner of a pastry business in Massachusetts has had to reduce his product offerings and personally absorb higher costs.

MONTREAL — Laurentian Bank of Canada raised its dividend Friday as it reported a fourth quarter loss related to restructuring charges, while adjusted profits showed gains from a year earlier.

CALGARY — Kansas City Southern shareholders gave a bright green light Friday to the railway's takeover by Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. Shareholders voted 99.

NEW YORK (AP) — Books and authors mattered in 2021, sometimes more than the industry wanted. A 22-year-old poet became a literary star.

OTTAWA — The federal banking regulator is holding the domestic stability buffer at 2.5 per cent as it says the economy continues its recovery and Canada's largest banks remain robust.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says the amount Canadians owe relative to how much they are earning rose in the third quarter, pushed higher by growing mortgage debt.

CALGARY — A new forecast says Canada is on track for a significant reduction in fossil fuel use by 2050, even as electricity demand grows and demand for crude oil continues.

VANCOUVER — Lululemon Athletica Inc. says its net profits surged more than 30 per cent in its latest quarter on a strong boost in revenues despite industry supply-chain challenges. The Vancouver-based athletic clothing company, which reports in U.S.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,925.49, down 151.86 points.) Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Down $1.66, or three per cent, to $52.82 on 16.