National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index closed down Wednesday as the Bank of Canada cut its key interest rate by half a percentage point, while U.S. stock markets also fell. The S&P/TSX composite index closed down 143.08 points at 24,573.

TORONTO — Canadian financial institutions are lowering their prime lending rates to match the decrease announced by the Bank of Canada. The central bank lowered its key interest rate by half a percentage point Wednesday to 3.75 per cent.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks closed lower as more steam came out of Wall Street’s huge, record-breaking rally. The S&P 500 fell 0.9% Wednesday. It was the third loss in a row for the benchmark index, the first time that’s happened in six weeks.

CALGARY — Soccer so foundational to her life, Lara Murphy is putting her skills and money into Calgary's team in the startup women's professional Northern Super League.

OTTAWA — Canada's anti-money laundering agency is warning about the key areas that lawyers could be aiding in the illicit movement of funds.

TORONTO — While the Bank of Canada's fourth straight cut to its key interest rate could inspire potential homebuyers to get off the sidelines, some commentators say the housing market may not see a huge spark just yet.

McDonald’s said Wednesday that consumers should feel confident ordering from its restaurants despite a deadly E. coli outbreak linked to its Quarter Pounders. McDonald’s U.S.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is looking to add more liquor outlets inside food and grocery stores.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed in September to the weakest annual pace in nearly 14 years even as mortgage rates eased and the supply of properties on the market continued to climb.

MONTREAL — Air Canada and airBaltic say they have signed a codeshare agreement that will help make it easier to fly between Canada and the Baltic states.