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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.

MONTREAL — The deep slump in Chinese production due to the novel coronavirus is narrowing the flow of consumer goods into Canada, hurting business at the country's largest railway. "In the last 20 days we saw a steady decline.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Tuesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,423.62, down 129.64 points.) Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down $1.58, or 4.29 per cent, to $35.22 on 16.7 million shares.