Canada stocks higher at close of trade; S&P/TSX Composite up 1.48%

Canada's stock market showed a positive trend as of the close of trade on Friday, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index edging up by 1.48%. This gain was primarily driven by strong performances in the IT, Materials, and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Aritzia Inc led the gainers, climbing 20.53% to reach 146.91, while Lundin Gold Inc and DPM Metals Inc also saw gains of 10.51% and 9.45%, respectively.

Conversely, Cogeco Communications Inc and BCE Inc experienced declines, falling 7.11% and 5.47%, respectively. Overall, 704 stocks rose compared to 252 that declined, with 75 stocks ending unchanged during the session. Notably, shares in both Cogeco and BCE hit their lowest levels in five years. The S&P/TSX 60 VIX, a measure of implied volatility for S&P/TSX Composite options, hit a six-month low at 11.19.

Gold prices saw a modest rise, with December delivery up 0.12% to $4,221.51 per troy ounce. Crude oil prices for November delivery slipped by 0.25% to $91.62 per barrel, while December Brent oil fell 0.32% to $104.39 per barrel. Currency markets showed stability, with CAD/USD holding steady at 0.70 and CAD/EUR unchanged at 0.63. The US Dollar Index Futures also registered minimal movement at 102.03.