National Business

CALGARY — Inter Pipeline Ltd. says it will shell out $1 billion in capital expenditures in 2021 as it pushes to finish its petrochemical plant.

VANCOUVER — Lululemon Athletica Inc. beat expectations as its net profit increased 14 per cent to US$143.6 million in the third quarter on higher revenues. The Vancouver-based clothing retailer, which reports in U.S. dollars, earned $1.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government's deficit in the first two months of the budget year ran 25.1% higher than the same period a year ago as spending to deal with the COVID pandemic soared while tax revenues fell.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (17,593.34, up 33.48 points.) Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Up 80 cents, or 2.57 per cent, to $31.95 on 17.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index recovered from early losses Thursday as increased crude oil prices propelled the energy sector and loonie higher. The S&P/TSX composite index gained 33.48 points to 17,593.

MONTREAL — Payments companies MasterCard and Visa say they will no longer allow their cards to be used on Pornhub, a website owned by the Montreal-based company Mindgeek.

Airbnb proved its resilience in a year that has upended global travel. Now it needs to prove it can live up to investors’ sky-high expectations. The San Francisco-based home sharing company made a triumphant debut on the public market Thursday.

TORONTO — A deputy governor of the Bank of Canada says the central bank is monitoring rising housing prices, as it keeps interest rates low to help borrowers cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government's deficit in the first two months of the budget year ran 25.1% higher than the same period a year ago as spending to deal with the COVID pandemic soared while tax revenues fell.

Empire Co. Ltd. reported its second-quarter profit and sales rose compared with a year ago as it announced plans to expand its Voila online grocery service to Alberta.