Canadian stocks looked set to open higher on Friday lifted by a strong week of U.S. economic data.
The S&P/TSX composite index eased 2.68 points to close Thursday at 15,207.11, with Friday futures up 0.1%.
The Canadian dollar was fairly flat at 94.03 cents U.S. early Friday
CIBC ups its target price on Calfrac Well Services to $25 from $22.50, with an outperform rating
Also, CIBC cut the rating on Duluth Metals to underperformer from sector perform
National Bank Financial raised the target price on Lake Shore Gold to $1.25 from $1
On the corporate front, Lassonde Industries Inc. is acquiring U.S. branded juice company Apple & Eve for $150 million U.S. The Quebec-based juice maker says the acquisition will strengthen its presence in the United States.
Driven by brisk activity in the oil, gas and infrastructure sectors, the total value of M&A deals in Canada jumped by 37% to $89.5 billion in the first half of 2014, according to data released by Thomson Reuters on Thursday.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange inched forward 1.53 points Thursday to 1,037.60.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. markets are off today for the Independence Day holiday
