National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index has its strongest two-day performance in more than 10 months on easing fears about the latest COVID-19 variant that helped push the price of oil above US$70 a barrel. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 301.

CALGARY — The global energy transition could create 170,000 jobs in Alberta and contribute $61 billion to the province's GDP by 2050, according to a new study released Tuesday by provincial economic development groups.

HALIFAX — The environmental assessment process is officially underway for Northern Pulp's estimated $350-million plan to reopen its idled kraft pulp mill in Nova Scotia's Pictou County.

MONTREAL — The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says November home sales and new listings fell in Montreal as prices soared by more than 20 per cent compared with a year ago.

CALGARY — Enbridge Inc. has raised its quarterly dividend as it announced the approval of $1.1 billion in new capital projects.

OTTAWA — Canada's merchandise trade surplus increased to $2.1 billion in October as exports of motor vehicles and parts and energy products rose higher, Statistics Canada said Tuesday. The result compared with a revised trade surplus of $1.

TORONTO — When November hit, Sabina Wex started feeling anxious about buying gifts for the impending holiday season.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $67.1 billion in October, the lowest in six months, after hitting a record high in September. A big rebound in exports helped to offset a much smaller rise in imports. The October deficit was 17.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The European Union drug regulator gave its backing Tuesday to mixing different types of vaccines in initial vaccination and booster campaigns to battle the coronavirus.

TORONTO — Onex Corp. says its Onex Partners V fund has signed a deal to buy education software company Tes Global from Providence Equity Partners LLC. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Toronto-based Onex Corp.