Aug 10 (Reuters) - Stock futures pointed to a slightly higher opening for Canada's main stock index on Wednesday as bullion prices rose following weak U.S. productivity data in the previous session.
U.S. worker productivity fell for the third straight quarter in the spring this year, suggesting that corporate profits may continue to decline and wage growth may remain sluggish. futures on the S&P TSX index SXFc1 were up 0.19 percent at 7:15 a.m. ET.
No major economic data is scheduled for the day. ECONCA
Canada's main stock index extended its rally at a 13-month high on Tuesday, boosted by a surge in shares of Valeant Pharmaceutical VRX.TO after the drug maker said it would sell billions of dollars of assets to pay down debt. Jones Industrial Average e-mini futures 1YMc1 were up 0.05 percent at 7:15 a.m. ET, while S&P 500 e-mini futures ESc1 were up 0.10 percent and Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures NQc1 were up 0.09 percent. .N
(Morning News Call newsletter http://link.reuters.com/nex49s; The Day Ahead newsletter http://link.reuters.com/mex49s)
TOP STORIES TOP/CAN
Bell Canada, Canada's largest telecommunications company, announced on Tuesday a public offering of C$1.5 billion of medium term notes debentures in two series. Pharmaceuticals International VRX.TO is offering to pay lenders a higher interest rate in order to obtain an amendment to its debt agreement that would loosen one of its covenants, according to sources. energy group OMV has agreed to sell most of its 50 percent stake in the British Rosebank field to Canada's Suncor Energy SU.TO for as much as $215 million, OMV said on Tuesday. AT 7:15 a.m. ET COM/WRAP
Gold futures GCc1 : $1,350.90; +0.89 percent GOL/
US crude CLc1 : $42.53; -0.56 percent O/R
Brent crude LCOc1 : $44.89; -0.20 percent O/R
LME 3-month copper CMCU3 : $4,849; +1.46 percent MET/L
ANALYST RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RCH/CA
Richmont Mines RIC.TO : CIBC cuts to "sector performer" from "sector outperformer"
Geodrill Ltd GEO.TO : TD Securities raises to "buy" from "spec buy"
Whistler Blackcomb WB.TO : CIBC cuts to "sector performer" from "sector outperformer"
U.S. ECONOMIC DATA DUE ON WEDNESDAY
1000 JOLTS job openings for Jun: Expected 5.574 mln; Prior 5.500 mln
1100 TR IPSOS PCSI for Aug: Prior 56.10
1400 Federal budget for Jul: Expected -$113 bln; Prior $6 bln
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Canadian markets directory CANADA ($1= C$1.30)