National Business

OTTAWA — Canada posted a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, as exports of natural gas and crude oil climbed higher, Statistics Canada said Thursday. The agency said the result comes after a revised deficit of $2.

TORONTO — An analysis of 12 of the largest Canadian commercial real estate markets shows developers have shifted their focus toward purpose-built rental construction, some at the expense of new residential condominiums and commercial buildings.

SpaceX’s mega Starship rocket completed its first full test flight Thursday, returning to Earth without exploding after blasting off from Texas.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank cut its key interest rate Thursday by a quarter-point, moving ahead of the U.S.

The number of Americans applying for jobless claims rose last week, but layoffs remain at healthy levels despite lingering inflation and high interest rates.

CALGARY — The structures division of ATCO Ltd. has signed a deal to buy NRB Ltd., a maker of modular buildings, for $40 million in cash. ATCO says the acquisition of NRB is part of its plan to expand its manufacturing, operations and sales footprint.

WATERLOO, ONT. — BlackBerry Ltd. and its chief executive John Giamatteo have asked a U.S.

CRANBROOK, B.C. — Canadian federal, provincial and territorial forest ministers have signed on to a national strategy that they say aims to raise awareness of wildfire risks across the country. B.C.

REGINA — Saskatchewan's auditor says the province's carbon levy program for industrial emitters lacks public transparency, with no information on whether it's helping reduce emissions or providing economic spinoffs.

VANCOUVER — Women's Shelters Canada is calling on phone companies to adjust how they respond to those escaping from domestic violence, saying the costs of changing a phone number and difficulties leaving a shared plan are key barriers for victims.