S&P/TSX composite index down, U.S. markets mixed on weakening economic data

TORONTO — Canada’s main stock index closed down Wednesday while U.S. markets were mixed as economic data showed signs of weakness on both sides of the border. Statistics Canada reported that the Canadian economy shrunk 0.2 per cent in February, though economists said harsh winter weather could be more to blame than tariff issues. In the U.S., the economy shrank at a 0.3 per cent annualized pace for the first quarter to come in worse than expectations, leading to steep early-trading losses in U.S. markets over growth fears. “It’s the reality of how all of this uncertainty surrounding tariffs is…