Canadian stock index futures pointed to a lower open on Wednesday, after weak U.S. economic data raised concerns about the outlook for North American growth.
The S&P/TSX composite index gained 22.71 points to at 14,077.47. Futures were off 0.2%.
The Canadian dollar inched back 0.02 cents U.S. early Wednesday to 91.31 cents U.S.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd said it would buy some of Devon Energy Corp's liquids-rich natural gas assets in Canada for $3.13 billion.
Yamana Gold Inc reported a net loss for the fourth quarter on Tuesday due to a $535.8-million after-tax impairment charge it booked on several exploration and producing properties partly caused by the drop in metal prices.
BlackBerry CEO John Chen fired a salvo at T-Mobile US Inc on Tuesday, calling ill-conceived a promotion run by the company that encourages customers using BlackBerry smartphones to upgrade to iPhones.
On the economic front, Statistics Canada was due out with wholesale trade –for December. They were not available at broadcast time.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange added 6.10 points Tuesday to 1,002.45.
ON WALLSTREET
Markets may find it hard to get going again Wednesday as investors wait for more quarterly results to make their way in.
Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones Industrials dipped 48 points, or 0.3%, to 16,059. Futures for the S&P 500 were unchanged at 1,837.40, and futures for the NASDAQ surrendered six points, or 0.2%, at 3,669.
Shares of Zale surged about 40% after Bermuda-based Signet Jewelers unveiled a deal to acquire the Dallas-based jewelry retailer for $21 U.S. a share.
Spirit Airlines shares took off in pre-market trading, after the discount airline said that it more than doubled its adjusted net income for the quarter.
Herbalife shares also jumped, after the controversial seller of nutrition products reported a double-digit percentage jump in quarterly profit, fueled by sales in China.
GPS device maker Garmin reported an increase in quarterly earnings on a slight drop in revenue. Shares were higher in pre-market trading.
Tesla will report results after the close. The electronic car maker already said it sold a higher number of its Model S sedan in the fourth quarter.
Crocs and Marriott International are also slated to report after the closing bell.
On the economic front, the U.S. Census Bureau will release its monthly report on housing starts and building permits this morning, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its monthly report on the producer price index, at the same time.
The Federal Open Markets Committee will release the minutes of its January meeting at 2 p.m. ET
European markets were a touch weaker in morning trading.
Asian markets were mostly rising, except for Japan's Nikkei 225, which dipped by 0.5%.
Oil prices took on 65 cents to $103.08 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices fell $6.40 to $1,318.00 U.S. an ounce.
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