Canada's main stock index rose on Wednesday in a broad-based rally led by shares of energy companies as oil recouped some of its early losses.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index grew 119.05 points to close Wednesday at 15,182.64
The Canadian dollar tumbled 0.67 cents to 74.76 U.S.
Energy stocks led the way, as Trican Well Service rose 4.5 cents, or 3.7%, to $1.26. Canadian Natural Resources hiked $1.42, or 4%, to $37.23.
Among industrials, Bombardier gained 7.5 cents, or 3.4%, to $2.20, while Canadian Pacific Railway chugged along $3.75, or 1.4%, to $268.89.
In materials, First Majestic Silver took on seven cents, or 1.1%, to $6.63, while Agnico Eagle Mines strengthened 76 cents, or 1.6%, to $49.45.
Health-care stocks got bruised, especially Aphria Inc, down 97 cents, or 16.2%, to $5.02, while Aurora Cannabis got pasted 86 cents, or 12.1%, to $6.26.
In the utilities sector, ATCO Ltd. dropped 17 cents to $41.65, while Fortis Inc. slipped nine cents to $46.84.
As widely expected, the Bank of Canada maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1.75% The Bank Rate remains 2%, and the deposit rate is 1.5%.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange faded 9.02 points, or 1.6%, to end Wednesday at 563.11
All but two of the 12 TSX subgroups were positive on the day, with energy moving skyward 2.4%, industrials prospering 1.3%, and materials 1.2% to the good.
The lone laggards were in health-care, slouching 5.8%, and utilities, fading 0.1%.
Oil prices regained 25 cents to $53.50 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices subtracted $3.70 to $1,242.90 U.S. an ounce.
ON WALLSTREET
On Wednesday, U.S. equity, option and fixed income markets were closed due to the declaration of a National Day of Mourning for former President George H.W. Bush
