Baystreet.ca - Canada's main stock index hit more peaks on Thursday, helped by energy and health-care stocks, as investors resisted making big bets amid the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
The TSX gained 77.51 points, to reach noon hour EST Thursday at 25,572.42
The Canadian dollar was up 0.08 cents at 71.37 cents U.S.
Ahead of the Bank of Canada's rate-setting meeting on Dec. 11, on Friday investors will take note of a reading from third-quarter annualized gross domestic product data, which is expected to miss the central bank's estimate.
Traders widely expect a 25-basis-point interest rate cut next month. The central bank has already cut its key interest rate four times in a row this year to spur growth.
In corporate news, technologies supplier for diecasting, extrusion and automotive industries Exco Technologies missed fourth-quarter sales Rogers Sugar (TSX:RSI) shares rose 27 cents, or 4.8%, to $5.94 after the sugar products provider reported upbeat fourth-quarter results.
On matters macroeconomic, Statistics Canada says payroll numbers fell by 57,400 (-0.3%) in September, following little change in August and an increase of 39,500 (+0.2%) in July. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 94,900 (+0.5%) in September.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange edged up 0.21 points to 608.21.
All 12 TSX subgroups were in the green, led by health-care, better by 2.3%, while real-estate improved 0.8%, and energy, up 0.6%.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange climbed 8.13 points, or 1.4%, to end Wednesday 607.91.
Oil prices docked two cents to $68.70 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices gained $1.10 to $2,641.00 U.S. an ounce.
ON WALLSTREET
American markets are closed for Thanksgiving, but will return Friday for a partial session.