March 7 (Reuters) - Futures pointed to a slightly higher opening for Canada's main stock index on Thursday as ongoing OPEC-led supply cuts and U.S. sanctions against exporters Venezuela and Iran supported oil prices.
March futures on the S&P/TSX index SXFc1 were up 0.07 percent at 7:10 a.m. ET.
Building permits data is due to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX .GSPTSE ended 5.53 points, or 0.03 percent, higher to 16,092.07 on Wednesday. Jones Industrial Average e-mini futures 1YMc1 were down 0.23 percent at 7:10 a.m. ET, while S&P 500 e-mini futures ESc1 were down 0.15 percent and Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures NQc1 were down 0.18 percent. .N
TOP STORIES TOP/CAN
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd CNQ.TO reported a surprise quarterly loss because of lower crude prices, but said Canadian crude differentials have narrowed since Alberta imposed output curbs last year. Point Energy Corp CPG.TO reported a bigger net loss in the fourth quarter, hurt by an impairment charge of C$3.69 billion. confirmed that it has suspended the clearance of canola imports from Canadian agribusiness Richardson International and said customs will step up inspections of Canadian canola until further notice. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RCH/CA
Aecon Group Inc ARE.TO : Canaccord Genuity raises target price to C$25 from C$24
Alaris Royalty Corp AD.TO : RBC raises price target to C$25 from C$24
Transalta Renewables Inc RNW.TO : CIBC raises target price to C$13 from C$12
COMMODITIES AT 7:10 a.m. ET COM/WRAP
Gold futures GCc2 : $1,286.2; -0.11 pct GOL/
US crude CLc1 : $56.86; +1.14 pct O/R
Brent crude LCOc1 : $66.87; +1.33 pct O/R
U.S. ECONOMIC DATA DUE ON THURSDAY
0730 Challenger layoffs for Feb : Prior 52,988
0830 Initial jobless claims : Expected 225,000; Prior 225,000
0830 Jobless claims 4-week average : Prior 229,000
0830 Continued jobless claims : Expected 1.775 mln; Prior 1.805 mln
0830 Labor costs revised for Q4: Expected 1.6 pct
0830 Productivity revised for Q4: Expected 1.6 pct
1500 Consumer credit for Jan: Expected $16.00 bln; Prior $16.55 bln
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