Stock markets in Canada’s largest centre shook off negative readings by Wednesday’s noon hour, and posted slightly positive results, mostly on the strength of energy and financial stocks.
The S&P/TSX Composite forged its way upward 3.3 points to greet noon at 15,103.68
The Canadian dollar sank 0.21 cents at 74.19 cents U.S.
EnCana Corporation shone brighter 18 cents, or 1.1%, to $16.56, while Canadian National Resources gained 41 cents to $44.49.
Financials were also stronger as Manulife climbed 29 cents, or 1.2%, to $23.83, while TD gathered 50 cents a share to $64.09.
Gold stocks got plenty roughed up, though, as Barrick Gold was particularly bruised, $1.07, or 5.2%, to $19.58, and rival Goldcorp faded 79 cents, or 4.4%, to $17.35
Among health-care issues, Valeant Pharmaceuticals staggered $1.31, or 5.5%, to $22.68.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange lost 7.77 points, or 1.1%, by noon to 724.86
Eight of the 12 TSX subgroups were higher by noon hour, with energy and financials each prospering 0.5%, and information technology up 0.3%.
The four laggards were led by gold, off 4%, materials, subsiding 2.1%, and health-care failing 1.1%
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. stocks traded mixed on Wednesday as investors digested a number of economic data reports a day after hitting record highs.
The Dow Jones Industrials recovered 35.1 points to break for lunch at 19,058.97, with Caterpillar leading advancers and Merck the biggest decliner.
The S&P 500 slid 3.13 points to 2,199.81, with real estate leading six sectors lower and telecommunications leading advancers.
The NASDAQ composite index dropped 21.45 points to 5,364.90
In corporate news, Juno Therapeutics shares plunged more than 25%, after the firm announced complications with a drug trial.
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's stock shed 13% after an experimental drug designed to fight Alzheimer's disease failed a trial.
Weekly jobless claims increased 18,000 to a seasonally adjusted 251,000 for the week ended Nov. 19, the U.S. Labor Department said on Wednesday. That said, claims have now been below 300,000, a threshold associated with a healthy labour market, for 90 straight weeks.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said U.S. durable goods increased 4.8% in October, well above a 1.5% consensus estimate.
Other data released Wednesday included the IHS Markit manufacturing index for November, which showed a slight increase to 53.9 from 53.4 in October. A reading above 50 signals expansion within the sector.
New home sales for October fell 1.9%, while consumer sentiment came in at 93.8, above a 91.6 estimate. The minutes from the Federal Reserve's meeting earlier this month are due for release at 2 p.m. ET. Experts said market expectations for a rate hike next month are more than 95%.
Treasury prices for the 10-year note dropped, raising yields to 2.37% from Tuesday’s 2.32%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices shed eight cents to $47.95 U.S. a barrel
Gold prices went south $24.10 to $1,187.10 U.S. an ounce.
