National Business

TORONTO — Ontario says it has appointed former board member Kevan Cowan as the new chair of the Ontario Securities Commission.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,453.26, up 175.85 points): BlackBerry Ltd. (TSX:BB). Technology. Down three cents, or 0.46 per cent, to $6.52 on 33.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index gained almost one per cent Wednesday after dipping in the morning, with gains in metals, industrials and other sectors offsetting a slip in energy stocks, while U.S. markets posted stronger gains.

Anyone looking for that perfect Christmas tree will probably notice the 10 per cent price increase from last year, but they're less likely to see what's behind it: an industry at a turning point.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will push rates higher than previously expected and keep them there for an extended period, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday in remarks likely intended to underscore the Fed's single-minded focus on combating s

NEW YORK — Stocks rallied on Wall Street after the head of the Federal Reserve said the central bank could soon ease up on its aggressive pace of interest rate hikes aimed at taming inflation.

TORONTO — Lower income in financial markets helped lead to an overall drop in income for National Bank of Canada in the fourth quarter, even as other segments gained.

OTTAWA — Canada's competition watchdog is warning that the tax revenue implications of Rogers Communications Inc.'s $26-billion proposed takeover of Shaw Communications Inc.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada is taking measures to boost its capital on hand after announcing a $13.5 billion deal on Tuesday to buy HSBC Bank Canada amid heightened market uncertainty.

CALGARY — Alberta's proposed sovereignty act threatens to scare off investors and talent and derail the province's plans for economic growth, a prominent business group warned Wednesday.