Commodity stocks push TSX higher for fourth straight day

Canada’s main stock index jumped on Thursday as a rise in commodity prices lifted materials and energy stocks, while the markets remained optimistic about a pause in U.S. interest rate hikes despite hotter-than-expected economic data.

At 10:47 a.m. ET (1447 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index (.GSPTSE) was up 204.38 points, or 1.01%, at 20,483.32.

The heavyweight energy sector (.SPTTEN) climbed 1.0% as U.S. crude prices rose 1.8% a barrel, while Brent crude added 1.8%.

Oil prices hit their highest level in 2023 as expectations of a tighter global crude supply outlook for the rest of the year overshadowed concerns over weaker economic growth and rising U.S. inventories.

Miner-populated materials sector (.GSPTTMT) led sectoral gains, adding 1.8% after China – the largest metal consumer in the world – took measures that alleviated price pressure from heavy inventories.

Shares of Canopy Growth (WEED.TO) lost around 20% of its value, after the pot producer said it would seek bankruptcy protection for its sports nutrition products’ segment BioSteel.

Data from across the border showed U.S. retail sales in August rose more than expected on higher fuel prices, while weekly jobless claims inched upward. However, bets around the U.S. Federal Reserve pausing interest rates in its September meeting remained unaffected.

This report’s information was first seen on REUTERS; to read more, click this link.