National Business

VANCOUVER — Lululemon Athletica Inc. reported an 18 per cent surge in profits last quarter, prompting it to raise its fiscal forecast for the year after beating expectations. The Vancouver-based company, which reports in U.S.

TORONTO — Strength in technology stocks led by Shopify Inc. after its deal to help merchants integrate with Amazon.com Inc. wasn't enough to prevent a small loss on Canada's main stock index Thursday, while U.S. stock markets were mixed.

CALGARY — Canada's oil and gas sector is pointing to new government numbers that it says proves the industry can increase production and lower emissions at the same time.

TORONTO — Embattled Canadian cannabis stocks jumped Thursday on the hope that the U.S. may ease restrictions on the substance. The Associated Press reported that the U.S.

TORONTO — Metro workers from 27 stores in the Greater Toronto Area have a new collective agreement after a month-long strike, the union said Thursday.

NEW YORK — Stocks gave up early gains and closed lower, a downbeat end to the market’s first losing month since February. The S&P 500 ended with a loss of 0.2%, breaking a four-day winning streak. The Dow fell 168 points, or 0.5%.

TORONTO — A more pessimistic outlook on interest rates and the economy led CIBC to boost how much it set aside for bad loans in its latest quarter, a move echoed by other banks as they prepare for slower growth ahead.

TORONTO — Scotiabank announced a raft of changes in its senior executive ranks, including a new head for the group overseeing its Tangerine online banking business and a new chief human resources officer.

MONTREAL — Laurentian Bank of Canada reported a dip in third-quarter profits as it continues to work through a strategic review.

TORONTO — Two of the e-commerce world’s biggest rivals have brokered a surprise deal helping their merchants better take advantage of one another’s offerings. Shopify Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.