WINNIPEG – The Canadian dollar moved its way back above the 81-cent United States mark on Friday despite news of fewer retail sales in September.
As of 8:33 a.m. CDT, the loonie was at US$0.8109 or US$1=C$1.2332, compared to Thursday’s close of US$0.8097 or US$1=C$1.2351. Statistics Canada reported today receipts fell 1.9 per cent in September compared to a 2.1 per cent gain in August, due to supply chain bottlenecks and greater spending on services.
After easing off for the past few days, benchmark crude oil prices were back on the rise as Brent crude oil gained US$0.75 per barrel to US$85.36. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased US$0.86 to US$83.36/barrel. Western Canadian Select (WCS) increased six cents to US$68.19/barrel.
The TSX/S&P Composite Index advanced 21.20 points to 21,212.39.
Gold surged US$24.30 per ounce to US$1,806.20.
