National Business

TORONTO — Real estate observers say a new mortgage code of conduct promised in the federal budget will be handy for Canadians facing financial difficulties, but they still feel the economic plan was lacking needed housing affordability measures.

CALGARY — A question mark continues to hang over the future of carbon capture and storage projects in Canada, in spite of a pledge in Tuesday's federal budget to deliver more investment certainty for major emissions-reducing projects.

MONTREAL — A senior Bank of Canada official says the central bank is keeping a close eye on the stresses to the global banking system ahead of its next interest rate decision and monetary policy report in April.

GENEVA (AP) — UBS said Wednesday that it's bringing back former CEO Sergio Ermotti to lead the Swiss bank as it executes a government-orchestrated plan to take over struggling rival Credit Suisse .

MONTREAL — Discount chain Dollarama Inc. recorded a surge in sales in its latest quarter as its low prices on everyday household items attracted shoppers in search of relief from high inflation.

OTTAWA — The federal government committed $31.7 million over three years in its latest budget toward a low-cost flood insurance program.

GENEVA (AP) — Credit Suisse violated a plea agreement with U.S. authorities by failing to report secret offshore accounts that wealthy Americans used to avoid paying taxes, U.S.

VANCOUVER — Shares of Lululemon Athletica Inc. climbed more than 10 per cent in early trading after the company reported its net revenue for its fourth quarter rose 30 per cent compared with a year ago. Shares in the retailer were up US$46.

TORONTO — Khadija Waseem loves tea and coffee, so when she told colleagues she was savouring her last cup ahead of the start of Ramadan's fasting period last week, they were quick to tease her.

TORONTO — Experts say the Canadian presence of American retail giants such as Walmart and Costco isn't likely to blame for rising grocery prices.