The S&P/TSX Composite Index inched above the 36,000 mark on Tuesday, lifted primarily by strength in the banking sector. Shares of RBC, TD Bank, BMO, and CIBC each advanced around 0.5%, as the recent oil rally showed signs of cooling. That pullback in energy prices eased pressure on credit-sensitive sectors that have been strained by energy-driven inflation.
Retail stocks also posted solid gains: Loblaw rose 1.5%, while Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD) climbed more than 2.5%. In technology, Shopify added 0.5% and Constellation Software advanced 2.5%, defying a broader selloff in US chipmakers and hyperscalers. Celestica was a notable laggard, falling more than 4%.
Mining names weakened alongside declining gold prices, with Agnico Eagle and Barrick slipping about 1% each, and Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM) down more than 1.5%. Energy producers were also subdued as crude oil gave back earlier gains, with Suncor and Cenovus each losing nearly 1%.
