WINNIPEG– The Canadian dollar made gains on Wednesday despite new shutdowns due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant and steady crude oil prices.
As of 8:33 a.m. CST, the loonie was at US$0.7754 or US$1=C$1.2897, compared to Tuesday’s close of US$0.7736 or US$1=C$1.2927. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam and numerous cabinet ministers will deliver an update on Canada’s COVID-19 fight later today.
The United States Dollar Index declined 0.27 of a point to 96.23.
Benchmark crude oil prices were on both sides of unchanged on Wednesday due to mixed demand outlooks. Brent crude oil slipped back two cents per barrel to US$73.96. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased US$0.12 to US$71.24/barrel. Western Canadian Select (WCS) was down US$0.26 to US$56.13/barrel.
The TSX/S&P Composite Index gained 4.28 points to 20,929.15.
Gold was up US$1.70 per ounce to US$1,790.40.
