National Business

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (19,571.1, up 264.21): Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Up $1.04, or 2.52 per cent, to $42.29 on 9.8 million shares.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index gained almost 1.4 per cent Wednesday on broad-based gains, while U.S. markets rose further. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 264.21 points at 19,571.1.

HALIFAX — A prominent credit rating agency has downgraded the bonds of Nova Scotia's electrical utility amid the company's conflicts with the provincial government.

NEW YORK — Stocks rose on Wall Street, lifting major indexes into the green for the week as investors welcomed a report showing consumer confidence is holding up better than expected.

OTTAWA — The country's annual inflation rate edged down slightly in November, but that's little relief for Canadians as grocery and shelter costs remain stubbornly high.

Grocery inflation in Canada surged again in November as the price of basics like bread, eggs and dairy products shot up. Prices for food purchased from stores rose 11.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The housing market slump deepened in November as sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed for the tenth consecutive month — the longest such stretch on records going back to 1999. Existing home sales fell 7.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The confidence of American consumers rebounded this month to end the year on a high note despite high inflation, rising interest rates that have made credit cards and mortgages more expensive, and growing anxiety about a possible re

Imagine a farmer, some seeds of grain and a Prairie field in spring.

OTTAWA — Canada's annual inflation rate was 6.8 per cent in November, Statistics Canada says.