Stocks in Toronto put some distance between themselves and the breakeven point as Monday morning turned into afternoon. Gains in gold stocks were offset by laggard technology shares, while a holiday in the United States prompted languid trade.
The TSX Composite Index recovered 46.63 points to reach noon at 17,605.65
The Canadian dollar gained 0.07 cent to 76.61 cents U.S.
The largest percentage gainers on the TSX were Ballard Power, which jumped 55 cents, or 3.5%, to $16.29, and Alamos Gold, which rose 15 cents, or 2%, to $7.50.
Interfor fell 13 cents to $15.61, while Encana was down 14 cents, or 2.6%, to $5.19.
Oil prices sneaked up two cents to $58.84 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices took on $4.07 to $1,560.93 U.S. an ounce.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange gained 0.06 points midday Monday to 584.56.
Of the 12 TSX subgroups, all but three were in plus country, as materials soared 0.7%, while gold and health-care each took on 0.6%.
Energy lapsed 0.3%, while consumer staples slipped 0.01%. Information technology stocks were unchanged midday.
ON WALLSTREET
Markets are closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day.
