National Business

TORONTO — Despite the sudden, recent shift in how millions of Canadians are doing their work because of the COVID-19 crisis, it seems most parts of the communications system were up to the challenge in the first week of widespread social distancing.

TORONTO — North American stock markets closed lower Friday to cap the worst trading week since the global financial crisis. After starting the day stronger, markets dropped to end the week down by double digits compared to last week.

MONTREAL — Air Canada says it will bring Canadians stranded in Morocco back home on a repatriation flight this weekend in collaboration with the federal government.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (11,851.81, down 318.71 points.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Up one cent, or 2.08 per cent, to 49 cents on 31.

CALGARY — Canadian crude-by-rail exports hit a record high in January but observers say they've likely fallen since then and stand to plummet even further as low oil prices force producers to cut growth spending and shut in high-cost wells.

MONTREAL — Canada's major airlines are relatively well-positioned to weather the financial storm that has been unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but regional players may find it tougher to stay afloat, experts say.

VANCOUVER — Near the end of 2018, Sheldon Petrie moved $40,000 into a self-directed registered retirement savings plan and watched his nest egg grow to about $55,000 at its peak.

TORONTO — New Gold Inc. is closing its Rainy River Mine near the U.S. border in western Ontario for two weeks so that its workers can follow the 14-day self-isolation period recommended for those who have travelled outside Canada.

TORONTO — Canadian cannabis shoppers will have to get used to a patchwork of closed stores and delivery disruptions as pot distributors across the country implement changes.

NEW YORK — In a world suffering a pandemic, cash is no longer king.