TORONTO - The Toronto Stock Exchange said Thursday that it has already achieved record levels of financings for the year with a couple of months still to go, indicating improved confidence in the world economy.

When Ryan Ross was three years old, he started a chicken-and-egg business in his backyard. Today, the eight-year-old is on his fourth company — and has already earned close to $1 million.

Torstar Corp.’s board of directors have confirmed David Holland as president and chief executive officer.

TORONTO - Canadian retailers are getting ready for the holiday season with rock-bottom prices and major promotional campaigns in hopes that shoppers will open their wallets and seize the opportunity to save.

PARIS - The world's rich and developed economies will grow faster next year than earlier expected, but the recovery will remain modest, with the United States and Japan outpacing Europe and other developed economies, including Canada, a Paris-based watchdog said Thursday.

OTTAWA - Members of Parliament are scrambling to climb aboard the Twitter bandwagon - and getting elbowed by controversial, satirical and even phoney postings.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A group of volunteer Santa Claus "elves" in Alaska's frigid interior is determined to save a popular holiday letter service featuring the North Pole's most beloved icon.

CAIRO, Egypt - Egypt on Thursday recalled its ambassador to Algeria for consultations as part of a growing diplomatic row caused by a bitter soccer rivalry between the two Arab nations that has sparked violence among fans.

BRUSSELS - The EU says it has solved an old problem for Washington.

OTTAWA - Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is proposing a voluntary code of conduct for credit-and debit-card companies that he says will "level the playing field" for consumers and small businesses alike.