Equities in Canada’s largest market were hoping for recovery from a rough start to the week Monday.
The S&P/TSX Composite gave up 36.35 points to finish Monday at 21,235.50
The Canadian dollar faded 0.29 cents to 78.66 cents U.S.
March futures were not available at press time.
On the economic front, Statistics Canada reported merchandise imports rose 3.7% in December, while exports were down 0.9%. As a result, Canada’s merchandise trade balance returned to a deficit position, moving from a surplus of $2.5 billion in November to a deficit of $137 million in December, a position considered to be balanced.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange was in the green 4.18 points Monday to 858.65.
ON WALLSTREET
U.S. stock index futures were mixed in morning trading Tuesday as the market awaits key inflation data later this week.
Futures for the Dow Jones Industrials gained 50 points, or 0.1%, to 35,019.
Futures for the S&P 500 lost 0.25 points to 4,475.50
Futures for the NASDAQ deducted 22.5 points, or 0.2%, to 14,537.
In early news, Peloton shares fell 2.8% pre-market after the interactive fitness company said it will slash 2,800 jobs in a restructuring effort that will see CEO John Foley step down and transition to executive chair.
Elsewhere, Harley Davidson jumped 6% after the company reported a surprise profit for the fourth quarter.
Also, Pfizer shares tumbled 4% after the drugmaker’s fourth-quarter revenue came in lower than Wall Street analysts expected. The company’s full-year earnings guidance also disappointed.
Shares of Snap fell 3.5% after the social media company announced a new debt offering.
Earnings season continues Tuesday with Pfizer, Harley-Davidson, Lyft, Chipotle and Yum China among the names set to post quarterly results.
As of Monday afternoon, 281 S&P 500 components have reported, with 78% exceeding earnings estimates and 77% topping revenue expectations,
On the economic calendar, investors will get a look at December’s trade balance, with a Dow Jones survey pointing to an $82.8-billion shortfall, which would be a record.
Overseas, in Japan, the Nikkei 225 pushed up 0.1% Tuesday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng slumped 1%.
Oil prices fell $1.72 to $89.60 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices forfeited two dollars to $1,819.80 U.S. an ounce.