National Business

TORONTO — Co-working company IWG, which owns on-demand office brands Regus and Spaces, is seeking creditor protection in Canada precipitated by COVID-19 lockdowns.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit surged in July to $63.6 billion, the highest level in 12 years, as imports jumped by a record amount.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,448.90, down 249.07 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down 10 cents, or 0.48 per cent, to $20.67 on 9 million shares.

TORONTO — An unprecedented surge in demand for low-rise housing pushed Toronto area home sales and prices to record highs in August, as the market continued to play catch-up from the COVID-19 lockdown this spring.

TORONTO — North American stock markets plunged Thursday, spurred on by a selloff in the overheated technology sector and concerns about the pace of economic recovery.

TORONTO — Two of Canada's favourite summer hotspots are in for a ride as they try to keep their operations alive amid COVID-19.

TORONTO — Credit rating agency Equifax Canada says total consumer debt increased 2.8 per cent to $1.99 trillion in the second quarter amid a strong recovery in the housing market.

TORONTO — International travellers arriving at Toronto's Pearson airport can now be tested for COVID-19 as part of a voluntary study to explore the effectiveness of quarantines.

OTTAWA — As fixed-rate mortgage rate offerings tumble, those with variable loans thinking about switching over and locking in need to consider more than just the rate, experts say. James Laird, co-founder of Ratehub.

WASHINGTON — Growth in the U.S. services sector, where most Americans work, slowed in August after big rebounds in June and July, indicating lingering problems stemming from the coronavirus pandemic.