Equities in Canada’s biggest market put together the beginning of a streak Tuesday, powered by advances in energy and industrial issues.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 92.35 points to close Tuesday at 15,598.57
The Canadian dollar inched lower 0.01 cents at 74.71 cents U.S.
Key among energy issues leading the climb were EnCana Corporation, jumping 74 cents, or 5.2%, to $14.90, and Suncor Energy, gushing 95 cents, or 2.4%, to $41.42.
Industrials were also strong as New Flyer Industries popped 65 cents, or 1.4%, to $48.41, while Canadian National Railways gaining $1.66, or 1.7%, to $98.82.
In the financial sector, Manulife surged 28 cents, or 1.2%, to $23.67, while Royal Bank spiked $1.03, or 1.1%, to $97.82.
Gold stocks, however, took their lumps, with Goldcorp trailing $1.48, or 6.9%, to $19.98, and Barrick Gold slumping 65 cents, or 2.5%, to $25.55.
In the materials sector, Pretium Resources skidded 42 cents, or 2.8%, to $14.54, while Lundin Mining docked six cents to $7.39.
In the health-care sector, Canopy Growth Corporation lost six cents to $10.92, while Valeant Pharmaceuticals dipped 15 cents, or 1%, to $14.34.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange subtracted 0.02 points to 804.12
Eight of the 12 TSX subgroups were positive Tuesday, with energy bolting up 2.2%, industrials stronger by 1.3%, and financials richer 1%.
The four laggards were led by gold, slumping 3.2%, materials, slouching 1.8%, and health-care, down 0.5%.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. equities rose on Tuesday as investors digested strong consumer confidence data, with financials leading.
The Dow Jones Industrials leaped 150.52 points to conclude the day at 20,701.50, Apple leading advancers and Johnson & Johnson the only decliner. The 30-stock index also snapped an eight-day losing streak.
The S&P 500 recovered 16.98 points to 2,358.57, with financials leading 10 sectors lower and utilities underperforming.
The NASDAQ Composite gathered 34.77 points to 5,875.14, with Apple climbing to a fresh all-time high.
Consumer confidence surged this month, hitting 125.6, up from 116.1 in February, according to the Consumer Board Consumer Confidence Index.
Other data released Tuesday included the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index, which showed U.S. home prices rose 5.9% to a 31-month high in January.
Investors on Tuesday also digested commentary from key Federal Reserve officials, including Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer, who told the media two more rate hikes seem about right.
Prices for the benchmark 10-year Treasury note slid, hiking yields to 2.42% from Monday’s 2.38%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices rebounded 62 cents to $48.35 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices sank $5.50 at $1,250.20 U.S. an ounce.
