Canada's main stock index looked set to open lower, pulled down by falling commodities prices and weak Chinese factory output data.
The S&P/TSX composite index dumped 74.57 points to begin the day and week at 12,514.52
The Canadian dollar grew 0.24 cents to 99.07 cents U.S.
Barrick Gold Corp says it has estimated it must invest about $29 million to meet environmental standards at its suspended Pascua-Lama mine, a filing with Chile's environmental regulator showed. Barrick shares docked 42 cents to $20.69 in early trading.
China's factory output growth was surprisingly feeble in April and fixed-asset investment slowed, rekindling concerns that the recovery is stalling and adding to pressure on policymakers to stimulate the economy.
No major Canadian economic data was scheduled for release today.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange eased 3.4 points to 963.33.
All but two of the 14 Toronto subgroups were lower early Monday. Gold sank 1.7%, while materials were off 1.5%, and global base metals burrowed 1.3%.
The two gainers were information technology, up 0.9%, and health-care, up 0.8%.
ON WALLSTREET
Stocks may be due for a breather after weeks of gains.
The Dow Jones Industrials fell back 56.06 points to start Monday's session at 15,062.40
The S&P 500 index shed 5.04 points to 1,628.66, while the NASDAQ Composite dropped 7.07 points to 3,429.52
There will also be a few more company results to contend with this week, including retailers Macy's, Wal-Mart and J.C. Penney as well as networking firm Cisco Systems.
Shares of Tesla Motors extended last week's rally. The electric car maker reported its first quarterly profit last week, and a separate report said Tesla sales outperformed German luxury brands.
With earnings winding down, S&P Capital IQ said of the 453 S&P 500 companies that have reported first quarter results, 301 have beat analysts' estimates, 115 have missed, and 37 have met.
Economically speaking, unexpectedly strong data on U.S. retail sales could also help set the tone for the day. The government reported that retail sales edged up 0.1% in April, versus expectations for a 0.3% decline.
Prices on the 10-year U.S. Treasury fell, lifting yields to 1.92% from Friday’s 1.90%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions
Oil prices dropped 88 cents to $95.16 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices shed $5.70 at $1,430.90 U.S. an ounce
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