National Business

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.

TORONTO — GFL Environmental Inc.'s first day of trading saw its shares drop 17 per cent below its target price. The Vaughan, Ont.-based waste management company's shares were $4.60 lower at $22.40 in Tuesday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

TORONTO — DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. says auto sales rose in February from a year earlier to mark a second month of gains this year. The consultancy says it estimates there were 123,375 light vehicles sold in the month, a 2.

WASHINGTON — In a surprise move, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a sizable half-percentage point Tuesday in an effort to support the economy in the face of the spreading coronavirus.

NEW YORK — For the second straight week, politics was the dominant force in prime-time television. CBS News' coverage of the Democratic presidential debate from South Carolina last week was easily the most-watched event on television, with 15.