Canada’s benchmark stock index jumped higher on Thursday, supported by gains in mining shares as gold prices climbed. The rise followed a Reuters report indicating Tehran has taken a firm position on its uranium stockpiles, reducing expectations for a potential Middle East peace agreement. According to two senior Iranian officials, Iran’s Supreme Leader has ordered that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium remain within its borders, reinforcing resistance to a key US demand in ongoing talks.
Oil prices dipped after Reuters, citing sources, reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader had directed that enriched uranium would not be exported. The move adds further uncertainty and complicates prospects for resolving tensions between the United States and Iran.
| TSX | 34,409.49 | +247.67 |  |
| TSXV | 977.97 | -1.71 |  |
| CSE | 175.38 | +1.61 | |
| DJIA | 50,285.66 | +276.31 | |
| NASDAQ | 26,293.10 | +22.74 | |
| S&P 500 | 7,445.72 | +12.75 | |
The Canadian dollar traded for 72.58 cents US compared to 72.76 cents US on Wednesday.
US crude futures traded $0.81 lower at US$97.45 a barrel, and the Brent contract lost $0.86 to US$104.20 a barrel.
The price of gold was up US$10.12 to US$4,541.88.
In world markets, the Nikkei was up 1,879.73 points to ¥61,684.14, the Hang Seng was down 264.60 points to HK$25,386.52, the FTSE was up 11.13 points to ₤10,443.47, and the DAX was down 130.47 points to €24,606.77.