TORONTO - The Toronto stock market closed slightly higher Wednesday as gains in consumer and financial stocks competed with a decline in gold stocks - despite bullion hitting another record close - and an analyst downgrade of Research In Motion Ltd.

TORONTO - Sears Canada Inc. (TSX:SCC) says low consumer confidence pulled down sales lower during the third quarter, but it's hoping to combat the downturn with more holiday season discounts.

MONTREAL - Grocery giant Metro Inc. (TSX:MRU.A) hopes to gain an advantage in an intensely competitive industry by mining the spending habit of its consumers to boost its sales.

TORONTO - Canadians paid more for food, clothes and tuition in October as the annual inflation rate ticked higher for the first time in five months, but economists say consumers shouldn't worry that price pressures will force interest rates higher.

TORONTO - Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX:L) is warning that its margins are taking a hit as it cuts prices to stay competitive - and that these price wars will likely continue into the holiday season.

WASHINGTON - The National Archives is bringing together investigators to search for scribbled secrets from the early days of the Watergate scandal as the chain of events began that destroyed Richard Nixon's presidency.

WASHINGTON - Palin-Beck 2012?

CALGARY - If Theo Fleury decides to pursue criminal charges against former junior hockey coach Graham James, Sheldon Kennedy will be in his former teammate's corner.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The Taliban kept to the shadows of Haji Baba on Wednesday as Canadian soldiers trying to seize control of the insurgent stronghold continued to pick up apart its defences.

A pair of animal rights groups are planning on protesting the seal hunt during the Olympic torch run over the next few months.