(Adds GDP data)
March 31 (Reuters) - Canadian stock futures edged higher on
Thursday as data showed the economy expanded more than expected
in January on strength in energy, manufacturing and retail
sectors.
Data from Statistics Canada showed the economy grew 0.6
percent. Market operators polled by Reuters had forecast a 0.3
percent increase from December.
June futures on the S&P TSX index SXFc1 were up 0.05
percent at 8:50 a.m. ET.
Canada's main stock index rose on Wednesday as consumer and
bank stocks bounced and equity investors broadly cheered a more
cautious tone on U.S. interest rate hikes from the Federal
Reserve.
Dow Jones Industrial Average e-mini futures 1YMc1 were up
0.04 percent at 8:50 a.m. ET, while S&P 500 e-mini futures
ESc1 were up 0.02 percent and Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures NQc1
were down 0.01 percent.
TOP STORIES
Cara Operations Ltd CAO.TO , owner of the Swiss Chalet
casual dining chain and Harvey's burger outlets, said on
Thursday it would buy St-Hubert BBQ, one of Quebec's largest
casual dining chains, for C$537 million.
AT 8:50 a.m. ET gold futures GCc1 : $1,237.90; -0.04 pct
US crude CLc1 : $38.43; +0.93 pct
Brent crude LCOc1 : $39.70; +1.12 pct
LME 3-month copper CMCU3 : $4,846.00; -0.54 pct
ANALYST RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Dollarama Inc DOL.TO : Desjardins raises target price to
C$97 from C$91
Detour Gold Corp DGC.TO : Desjardins raises ratings to
"buy" from "hold"
U.S. ECONOMIC DATA DUE ON THURSDAY
0945 Chicago PMI for Mar: Expected 50.0; Prior 47.6
($1= C$1.29)