The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed higher on Wednesday as weakness in financial stocks outweighed gains in base metals and telecommunications, while higher oil prices and easing US-Canada trade tensions provided some support.
The index closed up 33.86 points, or 0.1%, at 36,401.79, with mixed sectors. Base Metals led gainers, up 2.0%, while Health Care was up 0.9%. Financial led decliners, down 2.7%.
The Battery Metals Index, which includes companies listed both on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange, dropped 3.5%.
In commodities, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude rose on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East and reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns over global oil supplies. Prices were also supported by the UAE' decision to suspend financial and economic dealings with Iran following recent missile attacks.
September WTI crude oil contract settled up $0.89, or 1.1%, at $85.83 per barrel, while October Brent oil was last seen up $0.83, or 1.0%, at $91.85 per barrel.
Meanwhile, December Comex gold futures gained 3.3%, or $147.70, to $4,568.30 per ounce at last look, the highest since May 29.
In currencies, the US dollar edged lower 0.6% against the Canadian dollar, with USD/CAD at 1.3811 at last look.
The Canadian dollar gained some relief after US President Trump late Tuesday announced a three-day delay to the 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods that were due to take effect on Wednesday.
The postponement comes as an agreement has reportedly been reached between the United States and Canada, with additional time needed to finalize the details.
Even if a deal is reached, its durability will be key, Commerzbank FX Analyst Michael Pfister wrote in the Wednesday note.
For the Canadian dollar to recover more strongly, the new agreement will need to provide lasting certainty and avoid renewed challenges, according to Commerzbank.
In bonds, the Government of Canada's (GoC) two-year bond auction on Wednesday saw solid demand, with C$5.5 billion sold at an average yield of 3.023% and bids nearly three times the amount offered, according to data available on the Bank of Canada website.
In real estate, Canadian building construction investment fell 0.5% on the month to C$23.2 billion in June, with both residential and non-residential activity edging lower, Statistics Canada said on Wednesday.
Residential investment fell 0.6% monthly to C$16.1 billion, driven by a 1.9% decline in multi-unit construction, partly offset by a 0.9% rise in single-family investment. While non-residential investment edged down 0.1% monthly to C$7.1 billion.