Stocks in Toronto were little changed on Tuesday as sluggish economic data from China helped offset strength in the energy sector.
The S&P/TSX composite index gained 12.09 points to begin the session at 14,969.30
The Canadian dollar eked up 0.06 cents to 79.95 cents U.S.
Sherritt International said on Monday a strike by employees at its Ambatovy nickel mine in Madagascar had forced the company to curb output there. Sherritt shares retreated four cents, or 1.8%, to $2.25.
CIBC raised the price target on AGT Food and Ingredients to $33.00 from $32.00. AGT shares marched ahead 72 cents, or 2.5%, to $30.00.
Roth Capital raised the target price on Iamgold to $3.75 from $3.50. Iamgold shares took on three cents, or 1.1%, to $2.72.
Morgan Stanley cut the rating on Ivanhoe Mines to equal weight from overweight. Ivanhoe shares were flat at $1.09.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange moved forward 2.66 points to 673.22
Nine of the 14 Toronto subgroups were higher to begin the session, as consumer staples rose 1.6%, telecoms hiked 1.1%, and energy proved 0.8% more energetic.
The five laggards were weighed most by metals and mining, declining 1.7%, global base metals trundled lower 1.1%, and gold was 0.5% duller.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. equities turned positive following the release of strong home sales numbers as investors eyed the dollar.
The Dow Jones Industrials squeaked up 0.20 points to 18,116.24, led by Merck and McDonald's, with Pfizer and Chevron being the biggest laggards.
The S&P 500 dipped 1.73 points to 2,102.69, with consumer staples and telecommunications leading seven advancers.
The NASDAQ index regained 3.85 points to 5,014.82.
Abiomed's miniature blood pump system that maintains heart function and circulation received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Estee Lauder was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo, citing accelerating growth in the United States and growth in emerging markets, as well as working capital improvement.
Kimberly-Clark was upgraded to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo, noting a "favorable risk/reward compared to the broader staples group for what we see as an under-appreciated emerging markets growth engine."
Ross Stores announced a two-for-one stock split, to be paid in the form of a 100% stock divided on June 11 to holders as of April 22.
General Motors is investing $350 million U.S. to build its next-generation Chevrolet Cruze compact in Mexico, which is part of a previously announced a $5-billion U.S. investment plan in the region.
Billionaire Carl Icahn increased his stake in Chesapeake Energy to 73 million shares after the close on Monday, an increase from 66 million shares in December. The oil and gas company lowered its 2015 capital expenditures by $500 million U.S. on low commodity prices.
Economically speaking, February home sales rose 7.8% to 539,000, the highest level in seven years, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Consumer Price Index rose 0.2% in February, in line with analysts' expectations, the U.S. Labor Department said Tuesday morning; this, after dropping 0.7% the previous month.
Prices for 10-year U.S. Treasuries gained, lowering yields to 1.90%, from Monday’s 1.91%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices lopped off seven cents to $47.38 U.S.
Gold prices slid $1.90 to $1,185.80 U.S.
