(Stock image generated with AI.)

Canada’s main stock index kept steady on Friday, as optimism from strong US tech earnings was counterbalanced by falling commodity prices. Oil slipped due to disappointing economic data from China and increased global output, which outweighed the effects of Western sanctions on Russian exports. Speaking at a business forum held alongside the main summit, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Ottawa’s goal to double its non-US exports within the next ten years.

Meanwhile, Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping reached a one-year trade truce during their meeting in South Korea on Thursday, easing investor fears of a full-scale trade war. As part of the agreement, Trump pledged an immediate 10 per cent reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods related to fentanyl, bringing the overall tariff rate on Chinese imports down to approximately 47 per cent. In return, Beijing committed to suspend the rare-earth export restrictions introduced earlier this month for one year.

TSX30,260.74+81.76TSX
TSXV957.88+4.56TSXV
CSE175.27+4.01CSE
DJIA47,562.87+40.75DJIA
NASDAQ23,724.96+143.81NASDAQ
S&P 5006,840.20+17.86S&P 500

The Canadian dollar traded for 71.37 cents US compared to 71.53 cents US on Thursday.

US crude futures traded $0.33 higher at US$69.90 a barrel, and the Brent contract rose $0.07 to US$65.07 a barrel.

The price of gold was up $0.35 to US$4,002.96.

In world markets, the Nikkei was up 1,085.73 points to ¥52,411.34, the Hang Seng was down 376.04 points to HK$25,906.65, the FTSE was down 48.98 points to ₤9,711.08, and the DAX was down 160.59 points to €23,258.30.


Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here.


More From The Market Online

Market Open: Markets tense ahead of inflation data | Dec 15

The TSX started the week on a positive note Monday, boosted by stronger precious metal prices, as investors awaited domestic inflation data.

@ the Bell: TSX hits new record high, only to close lower

Canada’s top stock index came out of the gate hot on Friday to close out the...

Scaling for long-term success: A new era in gold development

Vista Gold Corp. (TSX:VGZ) is a gold development company focused on advancing its flagship Mt Todd gold project in Australia.