National Business

TORONTO — Canada's main stock index moved lower as investors await an interest rate decision from the Bank of Canada Wednesday, while U.S. stock markets also posted losses. The S&P/TSX composite index was down 131.60 points at 20,413.76.

NEW YORK — Stocks closed lower on Wall Street as traders return from a long holiday weekend. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% Tuesday. The index is coming off its second weekly gain. The Dow lost 0.6% and the Nasdaq slipped 0.1%. Crude oil prices rose.

OTTAWA — Two premiers have sent letters to Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem urging against another rate hike, as the provincial leaders attempt to sway the central bank's interest rate decision slated for Wednesday.

MONTREAL — Amtrak says it aims to relaunch passenger train service between Montreal and New York City next week, a route that typically carries more than 100,000 travellers per year.

TORONTO — A new Re/Max Canada report forecasts the country's real estate market will soften this fall with average home prices predicted to remain flat as the housing market deals with high interest rates and a lack of homes for sale.

VANCOUVER — One of the few unionized Starbucks stores in British Columbia is closing at the end of September.

VANCOUVER — The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says higher borrowing costs combined with seasonal patterns are putting the housing market on track to see slowing sales and price stabilization.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two executives of a Swedish oil exploration and production company went on trial Tuesday in Stockholm for securing the company's operations in Sudan through their alleged complicity in war crimes in 20 years ago.

When it comes to advising younger clients who are looking to welcome a new fur baby into their family, certified financial planner and cat owner Cindy Marques has one overarching philosophy — “put yourself first.

TORONTO — Tim Hortons has launched an online store selling a new line of clothing. The Toronto-based fast-food chain says its new TimShop.ca stocks a range of sweaters, T-shirts and joggers with a retro feel.