Canada's main stock index futures were in the red, tracking global markets after commodity prices tumbled to multi-year lows on global growth worries
The S&P/TSX composite index dropped 214.75 points, or 1.6%, to close at 13,127.18. The index ran its losing streak to seven straight sessions.
The Canadian dollar inches up 0.05 cents to 75.30 cents U.S. early Friday
Manulife Financial Corp is interested in a range of insurance and asset management acquisition opportunities across several markets in Asia, a top executive said on Thursday.
The company is looking to strengthen its position in Japan and Hong Kong, its two biggest markets in Asia, as well as add capabilities at fast-growing segments such as China, Philippines and Vietnam. A management spokesman also said Manulife is looking to take advantage of its own capital position and favorable demographic trends in the region.
National Bank Financial cut the target price on Alamos Gold to $7.00 from $7.50 after the company reported weaker-than-expected operating and financial results for third quarter 2015.
National Bank Financial raised the target price on Canadian Energy Services to $7.50 from $7.00 based on quality of the third quarter earnings and capital flexibility, and like the positioning through the downturn.
Ag Growth International Inc is out with Q3 earnings, expecting 57 cents per share
Aimia Inc expects Q3 earnings of 18 cents per share
Baylin Technologies expects a Q3 loss of nine cents per share
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange slid 5.69 points, or 1.1%, Thursday to 522.73
ON WALLSTREET
U.S stock futures are pointing down and European markets are all declining, with some key indexes dropping by over 1%.
Ahead of the opening bell, futures for the Dow Jones retreated 42 points, or 0.2%, to 17,356, futures for the S&P 500 faded 3.75 points, or 0.2%, to 2,036.75, and futures for the NASDAQ dropped 14.25points, or 0.3%, to 4,571.
Shares in Nordstrom are plunging by 20% pre-market after the company's earnings missed expectations.
Shares in Fossil are also falling pre-market, down nearly 18%, after the company said it was hurt by a strong dollar.
Shares in Swiss agribusiness Syngenta are expected to surge at the open after Bloomberg reported that ChemChina is looking to acquire the business.
There's a trickle of earnings coming out Friday. J.C. Penney will be among the main firms reporting quarterly results ahead of the open.
Investors will be keeping a close eye on the monthly retail sales report this morning. This follows disappointing earnings from retailers such as Macy's, Nordstom and Fossil over the past week.
At 10 a.m., the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index will be released with new November data.
The latest uninspiring GDP data out of Europe may be convincing traders to sell. The data shows the euro-zone economy grew by 1.6% in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2014. Growth slowed slightly compared to the second quarter.
Asian markets closed in the red, with most key indexes dropping by over 1%.
Oil prices fell back 17 cents to $41.58 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices slipped 2.53 to $1,082.67 U.S. an ounce.
