Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index advanced on Wednesday, extending the previous session’s record close, as both gold and oil prices moved higher. Gold benefited from a softer US dollar, lifting mining shares, while oil gained on persistent worries about a possible US–Iran military confrontation, underpinning energy producers.
In corporate news, Element Fleet Management reported fourth-quarter profit that came in slightly below analysts’ expectations in after-hours trading. In contrast, Bank of Montreal exceeded market forecasts for its first-quarter earnings. Similarly, National Bank of Canada delivered stronger-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results, supported in part by the newly consolidated contribution from Canadian Western Bank.
