National Business

WestJet Encore and its pilots reached a deal Thursday after two weeks of negotiations, steering clear of a potential strike this week.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The Newfoundland and Labrador government revealed Thursday that it plans to take Ottawa to court over the federal equalization program, saying it puts Canada’s easternmost province at a disadvantage.

Canada's main stock index differentiated itself from sliding U.S. markets Thursday, gaining more than 150 points on the back of better-than-expected quarterly results from Royal Bank and CIBC. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 173.

NEW YORK (AP) — Most U.S. stocks rose following mixed profit reports from big companies and signals that the economy may be cooling, but the worst day for Salesforce’s stock in nearly 20 years helped drag indexes lower. The S&P 500 sank 0.

TORONTO — CIBC and Royal Bank wrapped a round of second-quarter bank earnings on Thursday that showed rising but manageable consumer strain.

TORONTO — Stephen Poloz is concerned about investment levels in Canada’s private sector, which he says has been dampened by higher government spending and volatility in U.S. trade relations.

VICTORIA — British Columbia will cover the cost of an antiviral drug aimed at treating mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 as the federal government ends its coverage. A statement from B.C.

TORONTO — Brookfield is in talks to acquire a majority stake in French renewable power developer Neoen, with plans to buy the remaining interest in the company, if it is successful in reaching a deal.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada says it's rewarding shareholders as its second-quarter profit rose from last year and it successfully closed its HSBC Canada acquisition. The bank said Thursday it will now pay a quarterly dividend of $1.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — If you use Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram, you've probably noticed a new character pop up answering search queries or eagerly offering tidbits of information in your feeds, with varying degrees of accuracy.