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Toronto stocks increase ahead of Fed rate decision

Canada's primary stock index edged higher on Wednesday supported by ratesensitive stocks ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate choice due later in the day, while energy shares led sectoral losses tracking oil prices.

At 9:56 a.m. ET (13:56 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's. S&P/ TSX composite index was up 26.66 points, or 0.12%,. at 21,887.24.

All eyes are on the Fed's rate decision, due at 2 p.m. ET,. where the reserve bank is widely expected to keep rates of interest. the same, but the focus will be on the commentary to determine the. timing of the very first rate cut and the quantum of cuts in 2024.

In our view, we see scope for the Fed to start cutting. rates in June, however, the course of policy still remains very. data reliant, stated Henk Potts, market strategist at Barclays. Private Bank.

Rate-sensitive sectors such as customer discretionary. , technology and energies rose. between 0.4% and 0.7%.

Energy shares which acquired in the previous session. were down 0.4% as oil prices edged lower after hitting. multi-month highs on Tuesday.

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

Shares of Gildan Activewear jumped 3.8% to over. two-year high after the National Bank of Canada raised the rate. target on the stock. Canadian clothing maker's board picked. Tuesday to put the company up for sale and remains in talks with. multiple bidders.

Kelt Expedition was likewise up 2.2% after TD. Securities upgraded the stock to Buy from Hold.

Meanwhile, 2 big Canadian pension funds invested an overall. of C$ 595 million

(source: Reuters)