Stocks in Toronto took a moderate fall today after Nortel Networks Corp. announced that it cannot say when it will restate its financial results for 2003 and the first quarter of 2004. It did not offer an anticipated filing date. The market reacted negatively with the Toronto’s S&P/TSX composite index falling 48.49 points, or 0.58%, to 8,369.89.
The information technology sector sank 2.8%. Nortel shares dropped 34¢, or 6%, to $5.23, a day after hitting its highest level in nearly a month. Research In Motion fell $3.20, or nearly 4%, to C$80.79.
Otherwise, trading was muted as investors await Canadian and U.S. jobs data, which is scheduled for release on Friday. Five of the TSX’s 10 sub-indexes finished lower.
Energy stocks retreated 1.3%. They were dragged lower by indications that OPEC would supply as much oil as possible to rein in record prices. Suncor Energy fell 71¢, or 2%, to $32.92. Petro-Canada slid 80¢, or 1%, to $58.80.
It was a poor day for the S&P Canadian Venture Exchange, too, as it slid 9.85 to 1,593.37.
It was a different story for blue chips in the U.S., which rose as crude oil prices fell below $40 per barrel. The Dow Jones industrial average added 60.32 points, or 0.59%, to 10,262.97. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 3.79 points, or 0.34%, to 1,124.99, its highest close since April 27.
The Nasdaq Composite Index was hurt by market concern over the future prospects for tech companies. It fell 1.79 points, or 0.09%, to 1,988.98.