Futures tied to Canada’s main stock index were little changed on Thursday in thin trading volume, as investors were reluctant to place big bets due to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
The TSX gained 83.16 points, to close Wednesday at 25,488.30
December futures gained 0.1% Thursday.
The Canadian dollar improved 0.09 cents to 71.39 cents U.S.
Ahead of the Bank of Canada’s rate-setting meeting on Dec. 11, on Friday investors will take note of a reading from third-quarter annualized gross domestic product data, which is expected to miss the central bank’s estimate.
Traders widely expect a 25-basis-point interest rate cut next month. The central bank has already cut its key interest rate four times in a row this year to spur growth.
In corporate news, technologies supplier for diecasting, extrusion and automotive industries Exco Technologies missed fourth-quarter sales estimates on Wednesday.
On matters macroeconomic, Statistics Canada says payroll numbers fell by 57,400 (-0.3%) in September, following little change in August and an increase of 39,500 (+0.2%) in July. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 94,900 (+0.5%) in September.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange climbed 8.13 points, or 1.4%, to end Wednesday 607.91.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 0.6% Thursday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng fell 1.2%.
Oil prices gained 34 cents to $69.06 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices hiked $4.20 to $2,644.10 U.S. an ounce.
ON WALLSTREET
American markets are closed for Thanksgiving, but will return Friday for a partial session.
