The S&P/TSX Composite Index jumped 276 points mid-morning Thursday, adding to the 266 points gained on Wednesday, as bond yields stabilized.
Information technology was the best performer, up 2,8%, followed by the financials sector, which was 1% higher.
The weakest performer was healthcare, which dropped 0.7% on last look.
In economic news, Canada's trade surplus narrowed sharply to CA$769 million in July, from CA$4.2 billion in June, Statistics Canada reported on Thursday. Exports of metal and non-metallic mineral products and exports of energy products registered the largest declines. Imports of motor vehicles and parts jumped 11.4% to reach a record high in July.
Exports to the US fell 6.6% in July, the strongest percentage decrease since April 2025.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday morning that the federal government is investing over CA$4.7 billion for VIA Rail to acquire and maintain 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. The investment will support 700 jobs in Ontario and Quebec, and generate CA$1.6 billion in economic benefits, Carney said in a statement.