The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed sharply higher on Friday as a strong rally in base metals lifted the benchmark, while higher oil and gold prices and stronger-than-expected Canadian retail sales also supported sentiment.
The index closed up 254.81 points, or 0.7%, to 36,620.23, with mixed sectors. Base Metals led gainers, up 5.1%, while Industrials was up 0.6%. Utilities led decliners, down 2.4%.
The Battery Metals Index, which includes companies listed both on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange, rose 1.6%.
In commodities, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude rose on Friday as escalating US-Iran tensions and the prospect of tougher US sanctions heightened concerns over global oil supplies. Prices were also supported by sharply reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with continued disruptions to the key waterway keeping Middle East supply risks in focus.
October WTI crude oil contract settled up $0.23, or 0.3%, to $87.06 per barrel, while October Brent oil was last seen up $0.81, or 0.9%, to $94.59 per barrel.
Meanwhile, December Comex gold futures gained 2.3%, or $104.00, to $4,675.40 per ounce at last look.
In currencies, the US dollar edged lower 0.2% against the Canadian dollar, with USD/CAD at 1.3769 at last look. Canada's temporary exemption from the 50% tariffs announced by President Donald Trump under Section 338 gave the country's dollar some support, according to UBS.
The three-day pause, announced late Tuesday on tariffs that were set to take effect Wednesday, is due to expire on Saturday as the two countries work to finalize a trade agreement.
On the economic front, Canadian retail sales rose more than expected in June. They rose 0.6% monthly to C$74.3 billion in June, with gains in seven of nine subsectors, Statistics Canada reported Friday. June's retail sales were slightly better than the 0.4% monthly consensus increase in a Bloomberg survey.
Looking ahead, the advance estimate points to a 0.8% monthly decline in retail sales in July, according to the Ottawa-based agency.
In corporate news, clothing retailer Roots (ROOT.TO) said Friday agreed yo be acquired by Marquee Brands and JM&A Design and Development for C$4.10 per share in cash. The offer price is a 36% premium to the closing price as of March 2, before Roots announced that it was embarking on a strategic review process. Roots shares closed up 10% to C$4.06.