National Business

OTTAWA — Mounting cases of the novel coronavirus and ensuing unrest through the economy has upped the odds the Bank of Canada will cut rates this week and maybe more drastically than originally forecasted, economists say.

TORONTO — Ontario's economic development minister has announced he is leading a mining mission to Peru and Ecuador. Vic Fedeli says the trip will focus on mining manufacturing and equipment and will expose Ontario businesses to new markets.

NEW YORK — Target Corp. says there could be periodic shipping delays in merchandise from China while the discounter scrambles to stock up on more household essentials in its U.S. stores as it confronts the repercussions of a spreading new virus.

Hannah Nordman started an emergency savings fund the moment she finished paying off her student loans. The Calgary-based marketing and communications co-ordinator became debt-free two years ago, and promptly decided to get her finances in order.

VIENNA — Iran has nearly tripled its stockpile of enriched uranium since November in violation of its deal with world powers, U.N.

VANCOUVER — Home sales in Metro Vancouver remain well below the 10-year average for the region but sellers continue to hold the upper hand as the real estate board says demand for properties is steady with buyers having little to choose from.

Gloves made in China for the popular French brand Lacoste appear to have been sewn inside a factory where ethnic minorities face forced ideological and behavioural re-education, according to a U.S.-based labour rights group.

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's Green leader has completed a provincial tour and says people want next week's provincial budget to have integrity and compassion.

TORONTO — Executive chairman Richard Baker's influence over Hudson's Bay Co. is about to get another big boost as Canada's oldest retailer closes a turbulent chapter in its nearly 350 years of existence.

BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — Lowe's Canada says it has reached an agreement to sell its Ace Canada business to the owner of TSC Stores as part of its restructuring that saw it close 34 underperforming Rona and Lowe's stores.