-- The Toronto Stock Exchange is down 27 points in choppy trade, with energy the worst performer
Energy, down 2.0% is the worst performer, pulled down by lower oil prices as hopes remain that a deal may be nearing to allow tankers to deliver crude once again from the Persian Gulf to customers. Traders are still waiting Iran's response to the latest U.S. proposal.
Limiting losses are gains in info tech (+1.7%) and telecoms (+0.6%).
In stocks, B2Gold (BTO.TO) is up over 15% and is the most actively traded on the TSX after it reported a first-quarter earnings beat.
Sherritt (S.TO) plunged 32% to $0.17 with 7.2-million shares being traded, after it suspended its direct participation in joint-venture activities in Cuba, after the U.S. widened sanctions on the country. Sherritt is repatriating its expatriate employees in Cuba. Three directors, including board chair Brian Imrie are reported to have resigned from the board. Sherritt and the General Nickel Company of Cuba each hold a 50% stake in the Moa joint venture.