National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index was up almost 200 points on Wednesday, buoyed by strength across all sectors on news of a half-percentage point interest rate hike, while U.S. markets were mixed, weighed down by tech stocks.

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada announced another hike to its key policy rate of half a percentage point, in an attempt to rein in decades-high inflation rates while facing stalled economic growth.

CALGARY — Crescent Point Energy Corp. announced a special dividend for shareholders Wednesday, as continued high oil prices helped the Calgary-based oil and gas company deliver a five-fold increase in profits in its third quarter.

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada signalled it is drawing closer to the end of what's been one of the fastest rate hike cycles in its history Wednesday as it raised its key interest rate by a half-percentage point — but made it clear that more rate hikes a

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada outlined Wednesday its climate ambitions for key sectors this decade with targets for lower financed emissions that critics say fall far short of what's needed.

Analysts say new conditions laid out by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne Tuesday indicate a willingness to get the proposed $26-billion deal between Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc. across the finish line.

Saudi oil and gas company Aramco unveiled a $1.5 billion fund on Wednesday for sustainable investments, part of efforts to burnish the state-owned company's green credentials in an announcement ahead of the U.N.

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai business tycoon and transgender activist has purchased the Miss Universe Organization for $20 million, her company announced Wednesday. Chakrapong “Anne” Chakrajutathib, who controls JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd.

OTTAWA — The federal Competition Bureau has raised significant concerns about WestJet Airlines Ltd.

If your mortgage is up for renewalin the coming months, you may be beginning to panic at the prospect of paying more to finance your home as the Bank of Canada continues its interest rate hiking cycle.