National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. trade deficit surged to a near-record high of $80.2 billion in November as exports slowed at the same time that imports jumped sharply. The November deficit was 19.3% higher than the October deficit of $67.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week but remained at historically low levels, suggesting that the job market remains strong. U.S. jobless claims rose by 7,000 last week to 207,000.

HAMILTON — Stelco Holdings Inc. says its steel shipments in the fourth quarter of last year were below its guidance as it was hurt by production and logistics challenges and the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

MONTREAL — Supremex Inc. is reinstating its payment of a quarterly dividend after suspending it in the early days of the pandemic. The maker of envelopes and paper packaging says it will pay a quarterly dividend of 2.5 cents per common share.

TORONTO — A resurgence in demand for Toronto homes contributed to record residential real estate sales and prices in 2021 despite a dip in December.

NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Seacrest is still the king of New Year's Eve television, no matter what Andy Cohen may think. Seacrest, inheritor of ABC's 50-year-old “New Year's Rockin' Eve” from Dick Clark, reached 19.6 million viewers between 11:30 p.m.

TORONTO — DesRosiers Automotive Consultants says Canadian auto sales increased last year despite a weaker December. The consultancy estimates light vehicle sales were 1.64 million, up 6.6 per cent from the depressed level of 2020.

MONTREAL — In the wake of a party on a Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun, Mexico, flight attendants are demanding stronger action from government and carriers to ensure health and safety on board amid the Omicron surge.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (21,039.66, down 196.86 points.) The Toronto-Dominion Bank. (TSX:TD). Financials. Up 60 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to $99.95 on 15.

TORONTO — Shopify Inc. ceded its claim as the leading stock in Canada as the technology sector led North American stock markets lower after the U.S. Federal Reserve signalled it could be more aggressive in removing stimulus.