April 12 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index was set for a slightly lower start on Wednesday as investors awaited the Bank of Canada's interest rate decision.
The central bank is widely expected to hold rates at 0.50 percent, where they have stayed since the bank cut twice in 2015.
June futures on the S&P TSX index SXFc1 were down 0.12 percent at 7:15 a.m. ET.
The interest rate decision, which is due at 10:00 a.m. ET, will be followed by Governor Stephen Poloz's press conference.
Later in the day, Poloz and Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Wilkins will testify before a House of Commons committee on finance.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended barely lower on Tuesday as financial stocks weighed, while a flight to safety helped gold miners and shares of Bombardier Inc BBDb.TO jumped on reports it was discussing a merger of rail operations with Siemens. Jones Industrial Average e-mini futures 1YMc1 were down 0.02 percent at 7:15 a.m. ET, while S&P 500 e-mini futures ESc1 were down 0.07 percent and Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures NQc1 were down 0.05 percent. .N
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TOP STORIES TOP/CAN
Shaw Communications SJRb.TO reported a 13.3 percent rise in quarterly revenue, driven by the addition of more wireless customers. equity firm Waterous Energy Fund is seeking investment opportunities in the Canadian oil and gas sector as valuations turn attractive after a prolonged slump in the oil price, making a contrarian bet as global players pull back, its top executive said. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RCH/CA
Capstone Mining Corp CS.TO : TD Securities raises rating to "buy" from "hold"
TFI International Inc TFII.TO : National Bank Financial cuts target price to C$37 from C$40
COMMODITIES AT 7:15 a.m. ET COM/WRAP
Gold futures GCc1 : $1272.6; +0.11 percent GOL/
US crude CLc1 : $53.63; +0.43 percent O/R
Brent crude LCOc1 : $56.51; +0.5 percent O/R
LME 3-month copper CMCU3 : $5701; -1.14 percent MET/L
U.S. ECONOMIC DATA DUE ON WEDNESDAY
08:30 Import prices mm for Mar: Expected -0.2 pct; Prior 0.2 pct
08:30 Export prices mm for Mar: Expected 0.1 pct; Prior 0.3 pct
11:00 TR IPSOS PCSI for Apr: Prior 58.84
14:00 Federal budget for Mar: Expected -$167.0 bln; Prior -$192.0 bln
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