Christmas cheer for U.S. retailers

American retailers did indeed have a good Christmas, as sales rose by 1.2 per cent in December, helped by a surge of shopping just before and after the holiday. FULL STORY

Li stake sale drives down CIBC shares

CIBC shares fell almost two per cent Thursday as Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing sold his stake in the Canadian bank. FULL STORY

Magna International sees higher 2005 sales

Auto parts giant Magna International Inc. expects its 2005 sales will be between $22 billion US and $22.5 billion US, topping its sales forecast for 2004. FULL STORY

• Pratt & Whitney gets $200M government subsidy
• Canada in renewed softwood lumber challenge
• Corus Entertainment shares rise on strong profits
• Transat reports higher Q4 revenues, but profits down on restructuring
• Astral beats Q1 expectations
• SABMiller considers bid for Molson
• Trade surplus hits near-record high in November
• Bristol-Myers selling over-the-counter business in Canada, U.S.