Business

Economic uncertainty causing strain

The Toronto stock market closed lower Thursday as traders speculated about whether the U.S. Federal Reserve thinks economic conditions will warrant another round of stimulus.

Canadians have pushed their debt levels to an eight-year high in a climate of ultralow interest rates, according to a new report that suggests consumers are unmoved by repeated warnings that rates will inevitably rise.

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Ivanhoe Australia Ltd. is preparing to sell its interest in Exco Resources Ltd. in a move that could bring in more than $15 million. The company, which lists its shares on the Toronto and Australian stock exchanges, said Thursday that it had sold 23.

Indonesia is eager to boost trade with Canada, but the South Asian country isn't interested in two of the Harper government's top priorities - pursuing a free-trade deal or buying Alberta oilsands crude.

The prospective buyer of an idle Cape Breton paper mill says it will put up $40 million of its money, in addition to the purchase price, to get the facility operating again. Marc Dube, spokesman for Vancouver-based Pacific West Commercial Corp.

Registry reveals pipeline lobbyists are working overtime in Ottawa

The prime minister says the proposed takeover of a Canadian oil-and-gas producer by a Chinese state-owned firm must be in the best long-term interest of Canada.

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