S&P/ TSX Composite closes 0.22 percent higher after trade surplus

The S&P/TSX Composite closed at 35,597.00 points on October 6, 2026, up 78.45 points, or 0.22 percent, as a stronger Canadian trade surplus and softer bond yields supported technology and financial shares. The index opened at 35,544.45 points and traded between 35,544.45 and 35,621.60, the Sunday Guardian reported.

Trade data and yields support stocks

Canada's merchandise trade surplus widened to CAD 4.2 billion in August from CAD 787 million in July, exceeding the CAD 1.55 billion forecast. Exports rose 2.5 percent, while imports fell 2 percent. Exports to the United States increased 8.1 percent, according to market coverage.

The pullback in global bond yields also supported risk appetite. Earlier in the session, December S&P/TSX futures were up 0.42 percent at 6:03 a.m. ET, while weaker oil and metal prices limited the advance, Reuters reported via Kitco.

Utilities, technology and corporate deals

Utilities led early gains, while telecoms and real estate also advanced. Gold and materials each fell 1 percent and energy declined 0.8 percent in the early session, according to Baystreet.

Corporate activity added a separate focus. Emera, ATCO and Canadian Utilities announced a proposed combination that would create a utility group with an enterprise value of CAD 72 billion and approximately six million customers, the companies said in a release. Cenovus Energy's proposed CAD 5.7 billion acquisition of Athabasca Oil was also cited as a market focus. Athabasca Oil rose 13.5 percent, while Cenovus fell 3 percent, the Sunday Guardian reported.

Next session

On October 7, the Federal Reserve is scheduled to publish minutes from its September meeting at 2:00 p.m. ET. The release is expected to provide details on policymakers' rate discussions, according to the published calendar. U.S. crude inventories and a 10-year Treasury note auction are also scheduled, Investing.com reported.

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