National Business

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a fresh sign of his growing concerns about inflation, Chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the Federal Reserve can't be sure that price increases will slow in the second half of next year as many economists expect.

TORONTO — Royal Bank of Canada raised its dividend Wednesday as it reported a rise in fourth-quarter profits from last year, though it said earnings were hit by lower margins in part from low interest rates and heightened competition.

BERLIN (AP) — A court has ruled that German authorities are justified in banning three pornographic websites based in Cyprus from operating in Germany due to rules intended to protect minors.

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is forming a joint venture with Posco Chemical of South Korea to build a North American battery materials plant as it brings more steps in the electric vehicle supply chain under its umbrella.

TORONTO — Ontario’s auditor general has found the province’s securities regulator has not alerted the public to many potentially risky investments and failed to collect the majority of fines it imposed over the last decade.

VALCOURT, Que. — BRP Inc. beat expectations as it reported a third-quarter profit of $127.7 million amid supply chain disruptions that caused a drop in product deliveries. The maker of Ski-Doos and Sea-Doos said Wednesday its profit amounted to $1.

TORONTO — Pizza Pizza Ltd. has signed a deal that will see the restaurant chain expand into Mexico next year. The company says it has signed a master franchise agreement with Guadalajara-based KSG/GrünCorp.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — U.S. manufacturing activity grew at a faster pace in November with producers trying to keep up with demand amid ongoing supply shortages and delays.

OTTAWA — The Competition Bureau is challenging GFL Environmental Inc.'s purchase of Terrapure Environmental Inc.

NEW YORK (AP) — CNN indefinitely suspended anchor Chris Cuomo on Tuesday after details emerged about how he helped his brother, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to face charges of sexual harassment earlier this year.