Shares in Canada's main stock index fell on Thursday led by a drop in the financial and health-care sector while shares of technology companies rose on Wall Street's recovery ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving Holiday.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index slipped 21.85 points to greet noon at 15,073.17
The Canadian dollar eked up 0.11 cents at 75.71 U.S.
The largest percentage gainer on the TSX was Bombardier Inc, which jumped 13 cents, or 5.8%, to $2.39, a day after it announced job cuts at its Belfast division.
The biggest loser on the index was First Quantum Minerals Limited which fell 49 cents, or 3.8%, to $12.33.
The health-care sector lost as reports indicated Alberta may temporarily stop issuing licenses to sell cannabis and ration supply amid a countrywide marijuana shortage.
On the economic front, Statistics Canada reported those drawing regular employment insurance benefits numbered 446,500 in September, down 14,300, or 3.1%, from August.
Oil prices slid 0.70 cents to $53.93 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices gained $2.10 to $1,227.67 U.S. an ounce.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange deducted 1.45 points to 602.60
Seven of the 12 subgroups were lower, with health-care bowing 1.2%, communications down 0.4%, and utilities lower by 0.3%.
The five gainers were co-led by consumer staples and energy, each up 0.6%, and real-estate, ahead 0.3%.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. markets were closed for Thanksgiving
