National Business

OTTAWA — You may be reluctant to add one more item to an already daunting holiday to-do list, but financial experts want to make sure your financial plan doesn't get neglected in the year-end rush as 2019 comes to a close.

TORONTO — TD Bank Group's profit slipped in the fourth quarter compared with a year ago, missing analyst estimates for adjusted earnings. The bank says it earned $2.86 billion or $1.54 per share in the quarter ending Oct.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in October as imports fell faster than exports. The politically sensitive trade gap with China dropped.

LILLOOET, B.C. — Government officials say there is a "high risk" they won't be fully successful in rescuing salmon species threatened by a massive landslide on British Columbia's Fraser River.

TORONTO — Alterna Savings and Credit Union Ltd. and Quinte First Credit Union have signed a letter of intent to join forces. The credit unions say Quinte First will become part of Alterna Savings in spring 2020.

Bombardier Inc. has secured a long-term lease from the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for space to build its flagship business jet at Pearson airport, as the plane-and-train maker continues its shift toward private planes.

TORONTO — Major North American indexes made gains as a potential U.S.-China trade deal appeared closer and oil prices advanced. The S&P/TSX composite index climbed 5.16 points to 16,897.34, led by the energy sector.

TORONTO — Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange (16,897.34, up 5.16 points.) Lundin Mining Corp. (TSX:LUN). Basic Materials. Up 30 cents, or 4.27 per cent, to $7.32 on 13.

MONTREAL — The Canadian Infrastructure Bank is pledging up to $300 million in financing for a new container terminal project at the Port of Montreal, though regulatory approval is still pending.

MONTREAL — Shares in Dollarama Inc. dropped nearly nine per cent Wednesday despite reporting strong third-quarter results. The discount retail chain saw same-store sales jump 5.3 per cent for the quarter ended Nov. 3 — exceeding the 3.