National Business

WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund predicted Friday that the U.S. economy will shrink 6.6% this year, pounded by the coronavirus and the lockdowns meant to contain it.

New York City was cleared Friday to take the next step in its reopening next week, allowing movie and TV crews to film, zoos to welcome reduced crowds, professional sports teams to play to empty seats.

NEW YORK — A personal assistant arrested Friday in the death and dismemberment of a 33-year-old tech entrepreneur was believed to have owed his boss a “significant amount of money,” New York City police said.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,123.48 , up 98.98 points.) Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN). Utilities. Up 15 cents, or 0.81 per cent, to $18.74 on 5.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose for a third straight week to the highest closing since March on continuing gains from gold and the strength of the country's railways. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 98.98 points at 16,123.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Michigan sought a pledge Friday from Enbridge Inc. to cover costs that would arise if oil were to leak from its dual pipelines that extend across a channel linking two of the Great Lakes.

TORONTO — The Mobile Klinik chain of smartphone repair and resale shops plans to speed up its expansion with the help of its new owner, Telus Corp.

SEATTLE — A Seattle-based cruise line has sold four ships in its fleet as the coronavirus pandemic has halted operations and subsequently slowed businesses that rely on incoming traffic from the industry.

TORONTO — A group of Canadian artists, writers, technicians and performers is calling on Ottawa to guarantee a basic income for anyone in need.

MONTREAL — A takeover proposal from the Cirque du Soleil's secured creditors has been approved as the benchmark bid for a court-supervised auction of the insolvent entertainment company.