National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits has reached its lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the U.S. economy and job market are quickly rebounding from the pandemic recession.

OTTAWA — After the initial rush of Canadians who bought a second property to escape the city amid the pandemic, there are still plenty of would-be buyers looking to follow in their footsteps.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. factory output slid last month as a shortage of computer chips disrupted auto production. Manufacturing production dipped 0.1% in June — third drop in five months, the Federal Reserve reported Thursday.

HONG KONG (AP) — Booksellers at Hong Kong’s annual book fair are offering a reduced selection of books deemed politically sensitive, as they try to avoid violating a sweeping national security law imposed on the city last year.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (20,147.24, down 123.41 points.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Down two cents, or 1.36 per cent, to $1.45 on 8.

WINNIPEG — Manitobans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to return to museums, casinos and movie theatres when the province takes the next step in its reopening.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Health officials confirmed Wednesday three more COVID-19 cases aboard a Portuguese fishing vessel anchored off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index suffered a triple-digit loss Wednesday after a weak performance from the energy sector, the result of dropping oil prices as global supply of the commodity stabilizes.

CALGARY — As the lights dimmed and the music started pumping at Calgary's Home and Away sports bar last weekend, owner James Martin felt something he hadn't in a long time — hope.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada has named Indigenous leader Roberta Jamieson to its board of directors, effective Aug. 1.