Latest News

Toronto stocks set however slip for weekly gains on soft landing optimism

Canada's primary stock index fell on Friday after reaching record highs in the previous session, but stayed on track for strong weekly gains fueled by domestic financial data recommending a soft landing.

At 10:00 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's. S&P/ TSX composite index was down 36.58 points, or. 0.17%, at 22,050.68.

Canada's retail sales contracted a little less than anticipated. in January, weighed down by lower products rates and lower sales. of automobile and parts, data revealed on Friday.

In spite of only modest rises in retail sales volumes in. January and February, the earlier strength in December indicates. that development ought to stay strong this quarter, Olivia Cross,. North America economist at Capital Economics said in a note.

Yields on both the 2-year and the standard. 10-year government bond fell 4 basis points.

Technology shares and heavy-weight financials. soured the mood with a 0.6% and 0.2% fall,. respectively.

Materials stocks slipped 0.1% as copper rates. drew back on a stronger dollar, while gold dipped after. grazing a record high in the previous session.

Energy shares likewise weakened 0.4% tracking the. downturn in oil prices.

On the flip side, healthcare shares were up 3.3%. and set to tape their best week in over four months.

Throughout the border, Wall Street was soft but still on track. for strong weekly gains, as investors cheered the Federal. Reserve staying with its rate-easing position.

Back home, shares of Alimentation Couche-Tard were. down for yet another session, falling 1.7%, as multiple. brokerages cut price target for the operator of convenience. stores after it missed out on revenues expectations.

BMO Financial moved 0.1%. The lender's possession. management arm stated it had actually partnered with U.S. private equity. firm Carlyle Group to expand access to personal markets. for Canadian financiers.

(source: Reuters)