TSX Heads Up Slightly

Equities in Canada’s biggest market had the stage all to themselves Monday as Americans paused for a national holiday. Strength in major miners prevailed, on the back of robust metal prices, offset losses in the energy sector.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index approached noon up 32.33 points to 17,941.36.

The Canadian dollar inched up 0.03 cents to 78.36 cents U.S.

Canada's energy sector dropped hard and fast with TC Energy Corporation leading losses after Reuters reported U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is planning to cancel the permit for the $9-billion Keystone XL pipeline project operated by the firm. TC shares doffed $2.46, or 4.4%, to $54.11.

The largest percentage gainers on the TSX were Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc, which jumped $1.40, or 8.3%, to $18.32, and Real Matters, which rose 87 cents, or 4.8%, to $18.97..

Oil prices were unchanged at $52.36 U.S. Gold prices upped $3.60 to $1,833.50.

ON BAYSTREET

The TSX Venture Exchange gained 4.18 points to pause for lunch at 912.18.

Read:

• The U.S. is Still Struggling to Keep Up with Pandemic Testing

• These May be Some of the Best Ways to Trade the Bitcoin Rally

• Here’s Why Investors Should Pay Close Attention to Artificial Intelligence

• 3 Stocks That Could Win Big As A Blue Wave Looms

• Major Food Companies Want In on the Plant-Based Boom

• Nature’s Appetite Suppressant Could Help Millions Battling Obesity

• One in Four Americans Have Interest in CBD-Infused Beverages

All but one of the 12 TSX subgroups were positive as the morning session ended, with health-care better by 1.6%, information technology surging 1.4%, and utilities clicking 0.4%.

Only energy missed the party, down 2.1%.

ON WALLSTREET

Markets are closed in the U.S. for Martin Luther King Day