March futures on the S&P/TSX index were marginally down by 0.09% at 7:28 a.m. ET.
Copper prices fell as investors were cautious about a potential fall in short-term demand from top-consumer China ahead of the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday. [MET/L]
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended 0.2% in the red for a second straight session on Thursday with technology and industrial sectors among top losers. [.TO]
The benchmark index is poised for a subdued end to the week after gains in the first two weeks of the year.
After data in the United States raised worries of a recession ahead, traders will be keen on how retail sales were impacted thus far by the cost-of-living crisis.
November sales in Canada are expected to have fallen by 0.5% from a 1.4% rise in the previous month, as per a Reuters poll.
Among company news, Sun Life Financial Inc struck a 15-year bancassurance partnership in Hong Kong with Dah Sing Bank, which is likely to boost the Canadian insurer's presence in the special administrative region of Hong Kong.
Hudbay said protesters in Peru entered the Canada-based miner's copper unit in the southern region of Cusco and damaged and burned key machinery and vehicles.
COMMODITIES AT 7:28 a.m. ET
Gold futures: $1,930; +0.3% [GOL/]
US crude: $81.04; +0.8% [O/R]
Brent crude: $86.84; +0.8% [O/R]
U.S. ECONOMIC DATA DUE ON FRIDAY
Existing Home Sales for Dec due at 1000 ET
FOR CANADIAN MARKETS NEWS, CLICK ON CODES:
TSX market report [.TO]
Canadian dollar and bonds report [CAD/] [CA/]
Reuters global stocks poll for Canada
Canadian markets directory
(C$1=$0.7427)
($1 = 1.3464 Canadian dollars)
(Reporting by Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
