Canada's main stock index declined on Tuesday as shares of energy and mining companies slipped with commodity prices, pausing after a recent rally.
The S&P/TSX composite index remained negative by 45.11 points to greet noon at 15,055.59
The Canadian dollar slipped 0.40 cents to 79.82 cents U.S.
Information technology stocks rose, as BlackBerry took on nine cents, or 0.7%, to $12.40.
The gold-mining sector fell, reflecting a weaker bullion price. Barrick Gold Corp was down 3.4% at $15.03, and Goldcorp slipped 2.5% to $28.44.
Among shares of energy producers, Canadian Natural Resources lost 4.1% to $37.84 and Suncor Energy gave back 3.7% to $37.86.
The International Energy Agency predicted more pressure on oil prices, saying that supplies remained elevated and inventories could approach record highs.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange erased 6.27 points to 689.92
Eight of the 14 Toronto subgroups were ahead of the game at noon hour, most notably information technology, jumping 1.8%, while consumer staples gained 1.2%, and telecoms hiked 1.1%.
The half-dozen laggards were weighed most by energy, down 3%, metals and mining, down 2.6%, and gold, sliding 1.5%.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. stocks traded higher on Tuesday despite renewed uncertainty in developments in the Greece-euro-zone standoff.
The Dow Jones Industrials surged 91.89 points to 17,821.10, on Tuesday morning reports that said the German Finance Minister would not agree to a new Greek debt program on Wednesday.
The S&P 500 gained 13.92 points to 2,060.55, with health care leading all sectors higher except energy.
The NASDAQ index progressed 43.19 points to 4,769.20.
Coca-Cola rose more than 3% to lead gains across the majority of blue chips. Chevron was the greatest laggard.
Coca-Cola earned an adjusted 44 cents U.S. per share for the fourth quarter, two cents above estimates, with revenue above forecasts as well. Global case volume was roughly in line with estimates.
Investors are watching closely for a Greek debt deal when the euro group of finance ministers meets in Brussels on Wednesday where Greece's Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis is expected to detail new reform proposals.
The Greek newspaper Ekathimerini reported late on Monday a preview from government officials for a proposal that would create a bridge program with creditors in September.
Futures touched session highs on speculation that the European Commission could be ready to table a compromise on Greece's bailout program and propose a six-month extension to the country's bailout which is due to end on February 28. The Athens stock exchange was trading up about 7% on Tuesday.
However, concerns over the Greek debt negotiations continue to weigh on market sentiment. Speaking from Washington, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was looking for a "viable recommendation" from Greece on Monday, after Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras reiterated his pledge to end Greece's current bailout Sunday.
Prices for 10-year U.S. Treasuries fell, raising yields to 1.99% from Monday’s 1.95%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices slipped $2.24 per barrel to $50.62 U.S.
Gold prices faded $6.10 an ounce to $1,234.40 U.S.
