19.12.202515:19:00UTC+00TSX Advances Boosted by Banks and Shopify

The S&P/TSX Composite Index experienced a nearly 1% increase, surpassing the 31,500 mark this Friday. This upward movement was largely driven by gains in prominent banking institutions and Shopify. Specifically, RBC and TD Bank each saw a rise of 0.5%, BMO nearly gained 1%, and Shopify increased by 0.6%.

Energy stocks made a notable contribution as well, riding on the back of rising oil prices. Canadian Natural Resources appreciated by 1.6%, Suncor Energy climbed 1.3%, and Imperial Oil went up by 0.5%. In the mining sector, Barrick Gold's shares rose by more than 2%, and Agnico Eagle saw a 1.6% rise despite a decline in gold prices. Lundin Mining's shares surged by 3% following the announcement of their plans to divest the Eagle nickel-copper mine along with the Humboldt Mill to Talon Metals, which experienced a substantial 30% leap in its share price.

Conversely, Loblaw and Dollarama saw downturns, dropping by 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, following a 0.2% dip in Canada's retail sales for October, which came in slightly below expectations. Meanwhile, BlackBerry's stock plummeted over 10% after RBC Capital reaffirmed its rating and retained a price target of $4.50. RBC attributed this to mixed results in BlackBerry's third-quarter performance, pointing out that revenue strength was bolstered by non-recurring gains from its Secure Communications division.