Toronto stock markets pointed to a flat open on Friday, as investors stay cautious over the possibility of a Greek financial aid program that might be revealed on Monday.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 53.04 points to end Thursday at 12,153.10
The Canadian dollar down 0.02 cents to 100.28 cents U.S. Friday morning.
On the economic front, Statistics Canada reported this morning that inflation was in the news Friday morning. Consumer prices rose 1.2% in the 12 months to October, matching the increases in August and September.
The nation’s number crunchers also told us that energy prices rose at a slower year-over-year rate in October compared with September, while air transportation, food purchased from stores and property taxes posted larger price gains.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange gained 5.70 points to 1,248.36
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. stock futures were a bit higher Friday, as investors watched the nation's shopping malls for signs of consumer strength in the holiday shopping season.
The Dow Jones Industrials futures sprinted ahead 38 points, or 0.3%, to 12,838, while S&P 500 futures improved five points, or 0.4%, to 1,393.30, and futures for the tech-rich Nasdaq took on 14 points, or 0.5%, to 2,610
Little major news is expected in the United States on Friday's holiday-shortened trading day, so investors will be turning their attention to Europe and the continued questions over Greece's finances.
European finance ministers failed to finalize the details of a debt-reduction package for Greece before the close of their meeting Wednesday. The officials had been expected to agree to release the funds for Greece so it would be able to make payments due in December.
European stocks were modestly higher in morning trading. Asian markets closed with gains.
Many Americans have already gotten their holiday bargains for Black Friday, the traditional kickoff to the shopping season. Leading retailers Wal-Mart and Target opened at 8 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving night, and big crowds were reported at those stores and others, thus indicating Americans are a bit more relaxed about the economy.
Oil for January delivery eased 32 cents to $87.06 U.S. a barrel.
Gold futures for December delivery climbed $5.50 to $1,733.70 U.S. an ounce.
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