National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index rose more than 250 points in a broad-based rally led by base metals, while U.S. stock markets also climbed to close out a third straight day of gains. The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 254.

Even as Hudson's Bay was granted court permission to auction off 1,700 pieces of art and more than 2,700 artifacts, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is requesting a halt to the sale of items that may belong to or be linked with First Nations people.

FT SASKATCHEWAN — Dow Inc. says it is delaying construction of a nearly $9 billion net-zero petrochemical project northeast of Edmonton because of expected weak market conditions.

MONTREAL — Tariff angst has forced TFI International Inc. to back off big acquisitions as the trucking industry confronts lower cargo volumes, its CEO said Thursday.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed in March, a lackluster start to the spring homebuying season as elevated mortgage rates and rising prices discouraged home shoppers. Existing home sales fell 5.

WINNIPEG — Manitoba's energy regulator has approved higher natural gas prices. The Public Utilities Board says rates for a typical residential customer will rise 12.4 per cent, or about $73 a year, starting May 1.

BANGKOK (AP) — China on Thursday denied any suggestion that it was in active negotiations with the administration of U.S.

STELLARTON — Empire Co. Ltd. says chief executive Michael Medline plans to retire from the company in May 2026.

CALGARY — Whitecap Resources Inc., weeks away from closing a $15-billion combination with fellow western Canadian oil and gas producer Veren Inc., has reported a jump in first-quarter profits, revenues and production.

The chief executive of mining giant Teck Resources Ltd. says the threat of a global economic downturn may be looming, but he's expecting the volatility to drive up demand for the copper and zinc it produces.