Canada’s main stock index hit its highest level in more than a month on Thursday as cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data raised hopes that the Federal Reserve would start its long-awaited easing cycle in September.
The TSX Composite Index hurtled higher 193.7 points to 22,544.13.
The Canadian dollar sank 0.09 cents to 73.34 cents U.S.
Real-estate stocks led the gainers, with Allied Properties REIT units rocketing 81 cents, or 5.2% to $16.53, while Colliers International jumped $7.20, or 4.5%, to $166.13.
Gold stocks prospered, with Novagold hiking 56 cents, or 11.3%, to $5.61, while those for Oceanagold leaped 23 cents, or 6.7%, to $3.67.
Among material concerns, Pan American Silver strengthened $1.90, or 6.2%, to $32.74, while SSR Mining captured 34 cents or 5.1%, to $6.98.
Consumer staples led the side down a mite, though, as Alimentation Couche-Tard dipped 73 cents to $80.93, while shares in Metro dumped 23 cents to $78.64.
In Canada, the 29-month rise in domestic unemployment numbers has amplified calls for another rate cut by the Bank of Canada in its next policy meeting on July 24.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange tacked on 3.29 points to 586.55.
All but one of the 12 TSX subgroups made gains by the closing bell, with real-estate hiking 2.6%, gold gaining 2.5%, and materials better by 1.9%,
Only consumer staples missed the festivities, off 0.2%.
ON WALLSTREET
The S&P 500 retreated from a record as investors rotated out of the big technology winners of the year such as Nvidia, Microsoft and Meta.
The catalyst for the move was the lowest consumer price index reading in more than three years, which sent rates lower and investors into small caps and housing-related shares.
The Dow Jones Industrials clung tenaciously to gains of 32.39 points to 39,753.75.
The much-broader index fell 49.37 points to 5,584.54, ending its seven-session win streak.
The NASDAQ dropped 364.04 points to 18,320.58, stepping back from Wednesday’s all-time high.
The consumer price index fell 0.1% last month from May, bringing the annual inflation rate down to 3%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had expected a 0.1% monthly increase and a 3.1% annual rate. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, came in at a 3.3% annual rate, also lower than economists expected.
Odds of a September rate cut rose to greater than 80% based on fed funds futures trading following the CPI data. Traders still see the Fed standing pat at its meeting later this month.
Housing-related shares such as Home Depot and D.R. Horton jumped on the hope lower rates would reignite a stalling housing market.
Industrial stocks like Caterpillar also gained.
Prices for the 10-year Treasury jumped, lowering yields to 4.21% from Wednesday’s 4.28%. Treasury prices and yields move in opposite directions.
Oil prices advanced 99 cents at $83.09 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices popped $40.80 to $2,420.50