National Business

CANBERRA, Australia — National news agency Australian Associated Press said Tuesday it was closing after 85 years, blaming a decline in subscribers and free distribution of news content on digital platforms.

TOKYO — Asian shares rose Tuesday amid hopes that central banks will take action to shield the global economy from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 0.5% in morning trading to 21,441.82.

FRANKFURT — The head of the European Central Bank said Monday that Europe's top monetary authority is ready to take “appropriate and targeted measures” if necessary to support the economy against the headwinds from the new coronavirus.

TORONTO — Ontario has signed agreements with two Indigenous communities in a move the government says is a step forward in its plans to build road access to the Ring of Fire region.

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index had its best day in 14 months as North American stock markets rebounded strongly on expectations that central banks will cut interest rates in order to offset the economic damage caused by the spread of the novel c

CALGARY — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is inviting public and Indigenous comment on a Suncor Energy Inc.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,553.26, up 290.21 points at 16,553.26.) Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B). Industrials. Up 10 cents, or 10.42 per cent, to $1.06 on 28.

TORONTO — The chief executive of TD Bank Group saw his total compensation for 2019 fall compared with 2018 when his received a special one-time stock option award of $1.9 million.

BOSTON — Jack Welch, who transformed General Electric Co. into a highly profitable multinational conglomerate and parlayed his legendary business acumen into a retirement career as a corporate leadership guru, has died. He was 84.

TORONTO — Insurance brokerage HUB International Ltd. has signed a deal to acquire Morneau Shepell Inc.'s benefits consulting practice. Morneau Shepell says Hub paid $70 million for the business.