Bay Street Likely To Open On Mixed Note

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks are likely to open on a mixed note Wednesday morning with investors tracking commodity prices and reacting to a quarterly earnings announcements. Worries about fresh tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump are likely to weigh on sentiment.

Loblaw Companies Ltd (L.TO) announced that it will invest more than $10 billion into the Canadian economy by 2030, including $2.2 billion in 2025, which is expected to create 8,000 jobs over the years. The planned investments include construction of 80 new stores, renovation of more than 300 grocery and pharmacy locations, and continued development of the company's modernized supply chain.

Canadian Tire Corp. (CTC.TO) announced a definitive agreement to sell its Helly Hansen business to Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) for $1.276 billion. The transaction is set to close in the second quarter of 2025.

Gildan Activewear, Inc. (GIL.TO) said it expects 2025 adjusted earnings in a range of $3.38 to $3.58 per share on a revenue decline in the mid-single-digit range. For the first quarter of fiscal 2025, the company said net sales are expected to be up low single digits year over year.

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FM.TO) announced offering of $750 million of senior notes. The company intends to use net proceeds from the offering together with cash on balance sheet, to partly repay its revolving credit facility, to fund the concurrent partial tender offer for its existing 6.875% senior notes due 2027.

The Canadian stock market closed on a firm note on Tuesday, supported by gains in materials, energy, industrials and financials sectors.

Investors digested Canadian inflation data, and a few quarterly earnings updates. Higher commodity prices triggered some strong buying at several counters in energy and materials sectors.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index, which climbed to a high of 25,668.94 intraday, ended the day's session with a gain of 165.61 points or 0.65% at 25,648.84.

Asian stocks ended mixed on Wednesday amid lingering tariff concerns and tense Russia-Ukraine negotiations. China's Shanghai Composite Index closed higher despite comments from U.S. President Donald Trump that the U.S. may impose tariffs of around 25% on pharmaceutical, automobile, and semiconductor imports.

European stocks are notably lower Wednesday afternoon, weighed down by some disappointing earnings updates, hot UK inflation data, and concerns about fresh tariff threats by the Trump Administration.

In commodities, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures are up $0.63 or 0.88% at $72.48 a barrel.

Gold futures are gaining $8.50 or 0.31% at $2,957.50 an ounce, while Silver futures are up $0.097 or 0.29% at $33.470 an ounce.