National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index closed down Wednesday along with U.S. stock markets as investors continue to digest the potential for higher interest rates. The S&P/TSX composite index started up, but ended down 69.41 points at 21,205.

MONTREAL — The non-profit authority overseeing the St. Lawrence Seaway says cargo numbers nudged up last year despite a weak grain crop as manufacturing and construction demand came roaring back. Grain transport fell 20 per cent year over year to 10.

Canada's food manufacturers are cutting capacity and focusing on key products as they confront labour shortages and supply chain bottlenecks that show no signs of easing.

MONTREAL — Canadian airlines say flights to the U.S. remain unaffected by the rollout of new 5G wireless technology that has sparked blowback from many large carriers.

PARIS (AP) — A spattering of Paris Fashion Week menswear shows began in earnest this week for the fall-winter season, with French virus restrictions forcing many to an online-only presence.

GATINEAU, Que. — Hexo Corp. says it expects its new strategic plan to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses by about 30 per cent by the end of fiscal 2023. The Gatineau, Que.

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time, people across the U.S. can log on to a government website and order free, at-home COVID-19 tests.

TORONTO — Researchers at a Toronto-based tech laboratory have uncovered security vulnerabilities and censorship frameworks in an app all 2022 Beijing Olympics attendees must use.

TORONTO — A slew of celebrities and venture capital firms have thrown their support behind 1Password with a US$620-million investment the company says is a new Canadian record.

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says wholesale sales rose for a fourth consecutive month in November, helped by gains in the building materials and supplies, and miscellaneous products subsectors. The agency says wholesale sales rose 3.