Stock futures pointed to a lower start for Canada's main stock index on Tuesday ahead of the release of data on trade deficit.
The S&P/TSX composite index moved higher 27.70 points to close Monday at 15,367.47, with futures up 0.3% Tuesday.
The Canadian dollar was flat at 82.69 cents U.S. early Tuesday.
On the economic slate, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday morning that Canada's imports hiked 2.2% in March while exports edged up 0.4%. As a result, our merchandise trade deficit with the world widened from $2.2 billion in February to a record $3.0 billion in March.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange ducked back 0.31 points Tuesday to 699.12
ON WALLSTREET
It looks like a calm, flat start to stock markets south of the border.
Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones Industrials gained four points to 17,999. Futures for the S&P 500 dipped one point, or 0.1%, to 2,108.25, and futures for the NASDAQ fell 7.75 points, or 0.2%, to 4,468.75.
Earnings season continues with Disney, DirecTV and Kellogg due to report ahead of the open. Papa John's and Fossil release results after the close.
On the economic front, U.S. March trade figures are due out at this morning.
European markets are moving higher in early trading, supported by strong earnings reports. Germany's DAX is leading the pack with a gain of about one percent. London's FTSE added 0.8% as trading resumed after a holiday and investors look ahead to the U.K. general election on Thursday.
Asian markets mostly retreated and Japan's Nikkei index was closed for a holiday. Australian shares closed flat after the central bank cut rates to a record low of 2% in an effort to spur growth.
Oil prices poked up $1.02 to $59.95 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices gained $3.40 to $1,190.20 U.S. an ounce.
