Baystreet.ca - Futures for Canada's main stock index were flat on Thursday as investors awaited key employment numbers from Canada and the U.S. for clues on the countries' rate trajectories.
The TSX gained 121.79 points Wednesday to 25.051.68.
The Canadian dollar eked lower 0.08 cents to 69.48 cents U.S. Thursday.
March futures nudged up 0.01%.
All eyes will be on U.S. non-farm payrolls data, due on Friday, as it is a key indicator for markets to gauge the inflation direction and policy rate path of the Federal Reserve.
The Fed signaled a more cautious pace of rate cuts at its last monetary policy meeting, and traders now expect the first trim this year in either May or June,
Back home, domestic employment figures, also due on Friday, will set the tone for policy easing by the Bank of Canada.
In corporate news, Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) projected increased production for 2025, as it bets on higher demand amid tight oil supplies.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 shed 0.3%, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index dumped 0.9%.
Oil prices gathered 20 cents to $73.52 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices heightened $17.20 to $2,689.60 U.S. an ounce.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange retreated 2.78 points Wednesday to 610.13.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. markets are closed Thursday in memory of former President Jimmy Carter.