(Reuters) - Canada's main stock index edged higher on Monday as precious metal miners gained even though the broader sentiment remained fragile due to fears of a setback to global business activity against the backdrop of rising coronavirus cases.
* The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global cases of virus infections on Sunday, raising concerns about a slower-than-expected economic recovery.
* At 10:17 a.m. ET (14:17 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was up 38.94 points, or 0.25%, at 15,513.14.
* The materials sector, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, added 3.1% as gold futures rose 1% due to a rise in perceived safe-haven demand amid a surge in virus cases.
* The energy sector dropped 0.4% as U.S. crude prices were down 0.2% a barrel, while Brent crude lost 0.1%.
* The financials sector slipped 0.7%. The industrials sector fell 0.7%.
* On the TSX, 82 issues were higher, while 138 issues declined for a 1.68-to-1 ratio to the downside, with 23.72 million shares traded.
* The largest percentage gainers on the TSX was Westshore Terminals Investment Corp (TO:WTE), which jumped 8.7% after Scotiabank raised the target price of the stock.
* Its gains were followed by Pan American Silver Corp (TO:PAAS), which rose 8.3%.
* WPT Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust
* The most heavily traded shares by volume were Bombardier Inc (TO:BBDb), down 1.1% and Kinross Gold Corp (TO:K), up 6.7%.
* The TSX posted four new 52-week highs and no new lows.
* Across all Canadian issues there were 22 new 52-week highs and one new low, with total volume of 55.80 million shares.
