Futures Predict Slight Gain at Open

Futures for stocks in Canada’s largest market rose on Friday, as Brent crude prices climbed ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies early next week, while higher base metal prices further aided resource stocks.

The TSX gained strengthened 38.27 points to close Thursday at 17,351.34.

The Canadian dollar increased 0.15 cents Friday at 76.94 cents U.S.

December futures advanced 0.2% Friday.

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem said Thursday Canada's economy could rebound faster than expected if consumer spending jumps in the wake of a successful coronavirus vaccination effort.

ON BAYSTREET

The TSX Venture Exchange dipped 0.13 points to finish Thursday at 746.17.

ON WALLSTREET

U.S. stock index futures edged higher early Friday amid low trading activity due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Futures for the 30-stock index gained 63 points, or 0.2%, to 29,891.

Futures for the S&P 500 picked up 7.75 points, or 0.2%, at 3,635.

Futures for the NASDAQ Composite added 42 points, or 0.4%, to 12,194.25

Markets will trade in an abbreviated session on Friday, ending at 1 p.m. EST

In Europe, shares of AstraZeneca slipped on Friday with questions over the way AstraZeneca and Oxford University tested their coronavirus vaccine. The head of the White House’s vaccine task force voiced doubts earlier in the week about trial data and the drug’s efficacy rate.

Overseas, in Japan, the Nikkei 225 tacked on 0.4% Friday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index moved higher 0.3%

Oil prices dropped 27 cents to $45.44 U.S. a barrel.

Gold prices slid $3.80 to $1,807.40 U.S.