National Business

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — A leading U.S. cosmetics chain has halted expansion plans into Canada, saying it will instead focus on its U.S. operations and "omnichannel capabilities" including online shopping. Ulta Beauty Inc.

HONOLULU — A financially hurting Hawaii candy maker known for a memorable slogan is trying to shore up its business by offering a deal to vendors as the company faces difficulties because of the coronavirus pandemic's economic fallout.

NEW YORK — Demand for new homes continues to surge despite an ongoing pandemic and lingering anxiety about the U.S. economy. The pace of sales have now reached levels last seen before the Great Recession in 2006.

Canada's flight industry is tentatively taking heart in signals from the throne speech that financial help is on the way but wants to see quick, clear action to support the sector, which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TORONTO — Home prices across Canada could tumble about seven per cent in 2021, as unemployment dampens the hot real estate market, according to a forecast by Moody's Analytics, Inc.

OTTAWA — Women are more likely than men to face a risk of their jobs being affected by automation, a Statistics Canada study says.

WASHINGTON — Spotify and the makers of Fortnite and Tinder are taking on Apple and Google as part of a newly formed coalition calling for “fair treatment” in the way the tech giants run their app stores.

NEW YORK — Sir Harold Evans, the charismatic publisher, author and muckraker who brought investigative moxie to the British press, newsmaking dash to the American book business through bestsellers like “Primary Colors” and synergetic buzz to all as a

SILVER SPRING, Md. — U.S. average rates on long-term mortgages rose slightly this week but remain at historically low levels. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the average rate on the 30-year home loan edged up to 2.90% from 2.

TORONTO — CI Financial Corp. and its Assante Wealth Management (Canada) Ltd. subsidiary have signed a deal to acquire a minority share in Assante's operation in Dorval, Que.