Canada's benchmark stock index reached a nearly two-week high on Thursday, led by financial and energy stocks as investors anticipated that Britons will vote to remain in the European Union.
The S&P/TSX Composite hiked 127.57 points to close Thursday at 14,131.38
The Canadian dollar gained 0.45 cents to 78.32 cents U.S.
Metals stocks proved the strongest on the day, as Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan was lifted $1.09, or 5.1%, to $22.28, while Teck Resources bolted higher 51 cents, or 3.2%, to $16.31.
Among energy plays, Suncor proved the ace, garnering $1.41, or 4.1%, to $36.20, while Baytex Energy climbed 22 cents, or nearly 3%, to $7.65.
The health-care field quickened its pulse, as Valeant Pharmaceuticals triumphed 61 cents, or 2.2%, to $28.34, while Concordia Healthcare gained 66 cents, or 2%, to $30.69.
Gold stocks, however, proved another story, as Yamana Gold subsided 16 cents, or 2.5%, to $6.18, while Kinross Gold dipped nine cents, or 1.4%, to $6.25.
On the economic slate, Statistics Canada reported that folks collecting employment insurance totaled 538,400 during April, down slightly from the previous month
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange moved into positive country 1.7 points to 710.22
Nine of the 13 subgroups were positive on the day, as metals and mining triumphed 3.2%, energy raced ahead 2.9% and health-care stocks were haler 1.2%.
The four laggards were weighed most by gold, duller by 1.5%, while real-estate and materials each faded 0.2%.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. stocks closed more than 1% higher Thursday, with the pound near year-to-date highs against the dollar, following increased expectations the U.K. will vote to remain in the European Union.
The Dow Jones Industrials moved skyward 230.24 points, or 1.3%, to 18,011.07, to close above the psychologically key 18,000 level for the first time since June 8.
Goldman Sachs gained 3% to contribute the most to gains in the Dow. Nike and Disney were the only decliners.
The S&P 500 recouped 27.87 points, or 1.3%, at 2,113.32. Financials, which are also sensitive to the results of the EU referendum, gained 2.1% to lead all S&P 500 sectors higher.
The NASDAQ leaped 76.72 points, or 1.6%, to 4,910.04.
App developer tool firm Twilio opened at $23.99 U.S. a share after pricing its initial public offering at $15 a share, above the expected $12.00 to $13.00 U.S. a share range.
Macy's announced Thursday its CEO Terry Lundgren will step down from that position next year.
In economic news, weekly jobless claims fell to 259,000, not far from a 43-year low touched in March.
The flash Markit manufacturing PMI for June was 51.4, up from 50.7 in May.
New home sales declined 6% in May to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 551,000 units.
U.S. stocks closed lower Wednesday, as declines in energy stocks weighed, and investors remained on edge ahead of the Brexit vote after a poll indicated a slight edge for "leave" over "remain". Separate polls released after the close indicated more support for "remain".
The results of the U.K. vote on whether to leave the European Union are due well after Thursday's U.S. market close.
Moreover, the U.S. Federal Reserve is set to release the first results from the annual bank stress tests after the close.
Prices for the 10-year Treasury moved sagged, raising yields to 1.74% from Wednesday’s 1.69%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices grew 96 cents a barrel to $50.09 U.S.
Gold prices dropped $8.20 to $1,261.80 U.S. an ounce.
