The Toronto stock market appeared set for a positive open Tuesday as investors regained some confidence about Europe’s economy and commodity prices made significant strides.
The Canadian dollar added 0.56 of a cent at 96.83 cents US after data showed Canada’s inflation was in line with expectations in November.
Statistics Canada reported the country’s annual inflation rate remained relatively high at 2.9% last month as Canadians continued to pay considerably more for food and gasoline than they had 12 months earlier.
“Given the near—consensus reading, today’s data should have limited impact on markets this morning, and are in fact broadly in line with the (central) bank’s expectations for headline and core inflation in the quarter _ suggesting limited policy implications as well,” said Emanuella Enenajor, of CIBC World Markets.
Meanwhile, commodities made gains with the January oil contract adding US$1.44 to US$95.32 a barrel.
The February gold contract was up US$8.90 to US$1,605.60, while the March copper contract gained a penny to US$3.32.
Wall Street was also poised to open higher in anticipation of improved U.S. economic data from the homebuilding sector.
Dow futures were up 102 points at 11,805 while the broader S&P 500 futures were up 14.2 points at 1,213.2 and the Nasdaq future up 26.25 points at 2,238.75.
European markets advanced with Germany’s DAX up one per cent, along with France’s CAC 40. The FTSE 100 index of leading British companies was down 0.1%.
German business confidence rose unexpectedly in December, while German consumers were resilient in the face of rising economic risks and the ongoing debt crisis.
Spain’s weekly auction of short—term debt was also encouraging for investors. Borrowing costs for three— and six—month notes fell sharply amid strong demand, indicating market confidence in the country’s ability to handle its debt is recovering.
The reassuring macroeconomic news reinforced improving market sentiment as the leadership succession in North Korea appeared to be under control.
The possibility of a power struggle in a country pursuing nuclear weapons and known for its secrecy and unpredictability have heightened tensions in the region and unsettled markets on Monday.
In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi led regional gains, rising 0.9% to close at 1,793.06 a day after tumbling 3.4% on news of Kim’s death.
In domestic news, TransCanada Corporation (TSX:TRP), a major pipeline operator and power producer, has expanded its alternative energy business with a deal to buy nine solar power projects in Ontario for $470 million.