The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed at a new record high on Monday, as surging oil prices boosted energy stocks amid renewed concerns over prolonged disruptions to crude supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
The index closed up 77.10 points, or 0.2%, at 36,458.33, with energy leading the gainers, up 3.7%. Information Technology was up 1.1% while utilities led decliners, down 1.6%.
The S&P/TSX Battery Metals Index, which tracks Canadian-listed companies engaged in the production or exploration of metals used in battery manufacturing, jumped 4%.
In commodities, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude surged on Monday as fading prospects for a US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz renewed concerns over prolonged disruptions to oil supplies through the key waterway.
September WTI crude oil contract settled up $3.95, or 5.1%, at $82.13 per barrel, while October Brent oil was last seen up $4.35, or 5.2%, at $87.90 per barrel.
Meanwhile, December Comex gold futures gained 1.1%, or $47.30, to $4,447.00 per ounce.
In currencies, the US dollar was little changed against the Canadian dollar and inched up 0.02% to 1.3939.
Canadian agricultural prices rose in June, with gains across major crop and livestock products, according to a Statistics Canada report released on Monday.
Prairie canola prices rose for a fifth consecutive month, supported by Chinese demand and record-high crush volumes, while wheat prices climbed across the region amid a weaker global production outlook and lower seeded areas for the 2026/27 crop year.
Additionally, hog prices rose across all Canadian provinces, supported by strong domestic demand and higher live-hog exports to the US, said the Ottawa-based agency.
July's stronger-than-expected Labour Force Survey (LFS) should be encouraging for the Bank of Canada, especially given recent concerns over the sustainability of Canadian growth after what was likely a robust second quarter, TD Economics said in an Aug. 7 note.
TD expects BoC policymakers to keep rates unchanged at the Sept. 2 policy meeting. Friday's LFS delivered a significant upside surprise, with around 75,000 jobs added versus the 20,000 consensus forecast. At the same time, the unemployment rate fell to 6.4%, its lowest level in two years, said the bank.
Meanwhile, the federal government unveiled new support for Canada's steel industry as producers grapple with US tariff pressures.
Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon announced on Monday a C$100 million rebate program covering half the freight costs for manufacturers transporting domestic steel products across Canada by rail or sea.