Category Business

WASHINGTON —  Americans stepped up their purchases at retailers last month as low unemployment, steady pay gains and rising stock and home values helped sustain their willingness to spend despite higher prices. Retail sales rose 0.4% from August to September, the…

There’s more evidence Canadian consumers are feeling the pinch from high interest rates and rising unemployment. Consumer debt rose to $2.5 trillion in the second quarter, with credit card debt hitting $122 billion, its highest level since 2007, according to…