National Business

TORONTO — New data says Canadians bought 8.9 per cent fewer automobiles this August compared with a year ago. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.

TORONTO — The technology sector propelled North American stock markets to a positive start to September with Shopify Inc. hitting a record high on the TSX. Canada's largest company by market capitalization surged 6.

VANCOUVER — The B.C. government and City of Vancouver are partnering to build 450 new supportive homes for people experiencing homelessness.

NEW YORK — Walmart is launching a new membership service that it hopes can compete with Amazon Prime. Called Walmart+, it will cost $98 a year, or $12.

WASHINGTON — American factories expanded last month at the fastest pace since late 2018, continuing a rebound from the coronavirus recession.

CALGARY — Shares in Crescent Point Energy Corp. rose Tuesday as investors and analysts applauded its decision to restart oil and gas production shut down when energy prices crashed earlier this year.

MONTREAL — European regulatory authorities have resumed their investigation into Air Canada's proposed purchase of Transat AT, giving themselves a few more months to hand down a decision.

TORONTO — With rent coming due for another month, Ginger Robertson's daily walk through Toronto's Danforth neighbourhood is increasingly filled with empty storefronts.

TORONTO — Barrick Gold Corp. says it has suffered further setbacks in its fight with the national government over control of its Porgera Gold Mine in Papua New Guinea.

WASHINGTON — U.S. construction spending edged up a tiny 0.1% in July, breaking a string of losses due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Commerce Department reported that the slight July gain followed a 0.5% decline in June.