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Futures steady ahead of Fed rate decision

Futures for Canada's primary stock index were bit changed on Wednesday, as investors stayed away from positioning big bets ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decision due later in the day.

March futures on the S&P/ TSX index were up 0.1% at 7:47 a.m. ET (11:47 GMT).

Investors will carefully monitor the Fed's rate choice, due at 2 p.m. ET, where the reserve bank is extensively anticipated to hold rate of interest consistent, however the focus will be on the commentary to gauge the timing of the first rate cut and the quantum of cuts in 2024.

Among sectors, the products group, which includes Canada's. valuable and base metals miners, will be in focus after copper. rates pulled away even more from an 11-month peak on fret about. demand in leading metals consumer China.

Gold costs likewise drifted lower as the U.S. dollar firmed. ahead of the Fed rate choice.

Energy shares that gained in the previous session could take. a hit as oil costs edged lower after striking multi-month highs. on Tuesday.

In the U.S., stock index futures were range-bound before the. Fed decision.

The Toronto Stock market's S&P/ TSX composite index. ended higher on Tuesday, moving closer to a near. two-year high it notched last Wednesday at 21,970.11.

In company news, Adentra received a hike in cost. target from CIBC, while Kelt Expedition got a ranking. upgrade from TD Securities.

The National Bank of Canada raised the price target on. Gildan Activewear after the Canadian clothes maker's. board chose to put the business up for sale and remains in talks. with several bidders.

COMMODITIES AT 7:47 a.m. ET

Gold futures: $2,157.1; -0.1%

United States crude: $82.61; -1.0%

Brent crude: $86.73; -0.7%

(source: Reuters)