Futures for Canada's main stock index rose on Friday, on signs that the Omicron coronavirus variant would not significantly derail global economic growth, although trading volumes are likely to remain subdued due to a U.S. holiday.
The S&P/TSX Composite leaped 148.88 points to end Thursday at 21,218.93, its highest close since November 25.
The Canadian dollar hiked 0.20 cents to 78.16 cents U.S.
March futures forged ahead 0.2% Friday.
Trading will be limited to a half-day on Friday, Christmas Eve, the closing bell sounding around 1 p.m. EST.
Canada met its target of granting 401,000 foreigners permanent residency in 2021 by focusing its efforts on temporary residents already in the country, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said on Thursday.
Overseas, in Japan, the Nikkei 225 eased lower 0.1% Thursday, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong advanced 0.1%.
Oil prices added a dollar to $73.76 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices gained $7.90 to $1,810.10 U.S. an ounce.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange recovered 12.64 points, or 1.4%, Thursday to 928.81.
ON WALLSTREET
Markets in the U.S. are closed for Christmas Eve.
