Stock markets index futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Friday as markets took a breather after this week's rally following U.S. Federal Reserve's surprise decision to leaving its bond-buying program intact.
The S&P/TSX composite index was negative 4.62 points to end Thursday at 12,926.78, with futures off 0.03%.
The Canadian dollar dipped 0.27 cents to 97.16 cents U.S. early Friday
HudBay Minerals hopes to buy at least one greenfield project in the next year and expects to boost annual copper output nearly fivefold by 2016.
NBF raised the target price on Semafo Inc. to $3.30 from $2.50, believing management's shift to free cash flow by advancing development on the higher grade Siou and Fofina deposits near present infrastructure should help in the weaker gold price environment.
RBC raised the target price on Trinidad Drilling Ltd. $12 from $11, continuing to see the company as a prime candidate to win market share as new build contracts are awarded in Canada and the United States.
Economically speaking, Statistics Canada reported that the consumer price index rose 1.1% in the 12 months to August, following a 1.3% increase in July. On a seasonally-adjusted monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.1% in August, matching the increase in July.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange squeaked higher 0.02 points Thursday to 952.81
ON WALLSTREET
The market mood was muted Friday as traders and investors consider their next moves after stocks scaled new peaks.
Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones Industrials dipped 15 points, or 0.1%, to 15,558. Futures for the S&P 500 faded 3.1 points, or 0.2%, to 1,714.30, and futures for the NASDAQ picked up 3.25 points, or 0.1%, at 3,235.50.
There is little in the way of economic or corporate news expected, though investors will be watching developments at Apple stores around the world as the new iPhones go on sale.
The smartphones will be available starting in the U.S., China and seven other countries Friday, and throngs of people have lined up to be among the first to snag one.
Investors will be hoping the phones are a hit and will support Apple's share price, which has declined by 33% over the past year.
Darden Restaurants, which operates chains including Olive Garden and Red Lobster, reported that quarterly sales increased, compared to the year-earlier quarter, partly because the company acquired more than 140 new restaurants.
But profit took a dive, and Darden said it's planning workforce reductions. The company's stock slipped in pre-market trading.
European markets were mixed in afternoon trading, as Germans look forward to national elections on Sunday. Chancellor Angela Merkel and her centre-right Christian Democrats are seeking a third term to run the most powerful economy in Europe. The DAX in Frankfurt was slightly higher.
Asian markets had a muted trading session, with the Hong Kong exchange closed for a holiday and the Nikkei 225 index in Japan off 0.2%.
Oil prices fell 80 cents to $105.59 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices were off 18.20 to $1,351.10 U.S. an ounce.
