National Business

TORONTO — The chief executive of Scotiabank saw his total compensation for last year fall compared with 2018. In its management proxy circular, the bank says Brian Porter earned $12.6 million in total compensation last year, down from nearly $13.

KASTANIES, Greece — Greek authorities fired tear gas and stun grenades to drive away a crowd of people attempting to cross the border from Turkey, as pressure from illegal immigration built after Turkey declared its previously guarded gateways to Eur

WASHINGTON — Services companies grew at a faster pace in February than the previous month, an indication that the economy was still expanding immediately after the first cases of the coronavirus were reported in the U.S.

WASHINGTON — U.S. businesses added 183,000 jobs last month, a solid gain that shows the economy was largely healthy when the coronavirus outbreak spread further around the globe.

CALGARY — TransAlta Corp. reported a fourth-quarter profit of $66 million compared with a loss of $122 million in the fourth quarter of 2018. The power producer says the profit amounted to 24 cents per diluted share for the three months ended Dec.

TORONTO — The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board says home sales in February were up 45.6 per cent compared with the same month last year when they hit a 10-year low.

BEIJING — Global stock markets were mixed Wednesday after Wall Street sank despite an emergency U.S. interest cut aimed at defusing fears the virus outbreak might stunt global economic activity. London opened lower while Germany advanced.

TORONTO — Some Canadians planning overseas trips are being told by their employers to self-quarantine for weeks upon return in an effort to minimize the spread of a novel form of coronavirus. Manulife Financial Corp.

TORONTO — Aecon Group Inc. is raising its quarterly dividend 10 per cent after reporting record revenues last year but weaker fourth-quarter results. The Toronto-based construction firm will pay 16 cents per share on April 2, up from 14.

TORONTO — North American stock markets dropped after an initial flurry despite the U.S. Federal Reserve making a surprise cut to its benchmark interest rate to offset the impact of the novel coronavirus.