Business Top Stories

Oil punches through $50 US a barrel as world demands more crude

The benchmark North American oil futures contract moved above $50 US a barrel on Thursday, buoyed by predictions of growing demand worldwide. More 1:16 PM ET

• What oilpatch earnings tell us about life with $50 oil Aug 01
• U.S. gasoline prices tumble as refineries, pipelines resume activity after Harvey Sep 04
• OPEC moves to cap Nigerian oil output, boost production cut compliance Jul 24
• Oil jumps as U.S. producers pull back, inventories drop Jul 26

Massive Equifax security breach now being probed by U.S. Federal Trade Commission

Shares of Equifax Inc. tumbled Thursday after the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said it has launched a probe into the massive cybersecurity breach at the company. More 12:26 PM ET

• What you should do about Equifax hack: tips from cyber security expert Sep 08
• Equifax hack only affected Canadians with dealings in U.S. Sep 13

Sears case shows the risk of defined benefit pensions for employees

The case of Sears's employees, who will see their pension reduced, shows the risk of depending too much on a defined-benefit pension plan to provide income in retirement if the plan is not fully funded and the sponsor goes bust. More 10:40 AM ET

• Uncertain pensions rattle vulnerable employees Aug 11
• Analysis Is your pension safe? It may depend on what happens to your company Aug 11

Canadian retailer Roots files for IPO, plans to list on TSX under ROOT

Canadian retailer Roots Corp., which was founded in 1973 and now has more than 100 stores in Canada, is launching an initial public offering of its shares. More 9:43 AM ET

• Canada’s last Roots franchise store shutting down Dec 29
• Exclusive Parks Canada-Roots: A match made in branding heaven, but it wasn't to be Jul 24