S&P/TSX composite down more than 200 points, U.S. stock markets also lower

TORONTO - Canada's primary stock index experienced a significant decline in early trading, falling more than 200 points, primarily due to losses in the financial and base metal sectors. This downturn was mirrored by a decrease in U.S. stock markets as well. The S&P/TSX composite index dropped 212.23 points, reaching 35,023.64. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones industrial average in New York experienced a loss of 265.60 points, settling at 50,640.45.

The S&P 500 index also saw a decline of 15.36 points, closing at 7,636.18, while the Nasdaq composite fell 38.32 points, ending at 26,822.74. The Canadian dollar was trading at 70.19 cents US, up from 70.48 cents US on the previous day. Crude oil prices were up by $2.14 to $92.56 per barrel, while the December gold contract decreased by $3.70, trading at $4,183.00 per ounce.