Canada's main stock index hit over five-month highs on Thursday, supported by rising copper and gold prices as well as optimism that the U.S. Federal Reserve would soften its monetary tightening trajectory.
The TSX Composite gained 76.45 points to begin trading on Thursday at 20,358.71.
The Canadian dollar nosed up 0.06 cents to 75.02 cents U.S.
Techs were proving to be the big man on the block, with Sylogist Ltd. piling on 18 cents, or 3.7%, to $4.99, while Payfare advanced 14 cents, or 3.4%, to $4.32.
Industrials were close behind, with ATS Automation up $1.67, or 4%, to $43.69, while Finning International soared 38 cents, or 1.2%, to $32.49.
On the economic calendar, Statistics Canada says the number of employees receiving pay or benefits from their employer—referred to as "payroll employees" in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—rose by 85,300 (+0.5%) in September.
Oil prices sank 22 cents to $77.72 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices soared $12.10 to $1,757.70 U.S. an ounce.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange grabbed 2.49 points to begin Thursday at to 579.24.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. markets are closed for Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving, Uncle Sam!
