TSX Closer: The Index Closes Lower as Base Metals, Technology and Energy Stocks Drag

04:17 PM EDT, 10/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged down on Thursday as losses in base metals, technology and energy stocks weighed on the market, while investors assessed fresh domestic employment data and corporate developments. The index closed down 16.06 points, or 0.04%, at 36,249.03, with mixed sectors. Base metals led the decliners, dropping 1.5%, followed by information technology and energy, which fell 1.2 and 0.2%, respectively. Shares in healthcare rallied 6.8% while they rose 1.2% in utilities. The Battery Metals Index, which includes companies listed both on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange, dropped 0.3%. In commodities, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude prices declined as renewed diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran raised hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East, reducing concerns over potential supply disruptions. Reports that US Vice President JD Vance had attempted to revive peace negotiations with Tehran weighed on oil prices, although continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia kept supply risks elevated December WTI crude oil contract settled down $0.78, or 0.8%, at $102.00 per barrel, while December Brent oil was last seen down $0.14, or 0.1%, at $115.18 per barrel. In precious metals, December Comex gold futures dropped 0.5%, or $19.90, to $4,031.70 per ounce at last look. The US dollar edged down 0.03% against the Canadian dollar to CA$1.3991 at last look. In economics news, Canadian payroll employment, as measured in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH), fell by 49,600, or 0.3% month, in August, following a decline of 15,700, or 0.1%, in July, Statistics Canada said Thursday. Employment declined in half of the 20 sectors, with the largest losses in public administration (22,300), accommodation and food services (6,800), and information and cultural industries (5,000), the agency said. Separately, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Canada's first national security strategy in more than two decades, focusing on economic resilience, sovereignty and defense amid rising geopolitical tensions. The plan calls for investment in strategic sectors, stronger energy security, robust domestic defense production, faster military procurement and enhanced Arctic security. In corporate news, the Canadian government is taking an equity stake of up to CA$1.6 billion in Toronto-based AI company Cohere, Carney's office announced. Privately held Cohere on Thursday announced the initial close of its Series E funding round targeting up to CA$7 billion, representing a CA$35.7 billion valuation of the company.