14.08.202614:13:59UTC+00TSX Holds Near Record High

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was little changed at the 36,800 level on Friday, holding at a record high, supported by strength in gold miners. Gold prices rebounded after earlier declines, boosting the sector: Agnico Eagle advanced more than 2%, while Barrick and Wheaton Precious Metals each gained about 1.5%.

In contrast, financials traded mostly below the flatline as energy-driven inflation concerns weighed on credit-sensitive names. Heightened geopolitical risk also shaped market sentiment after the United States threatened an open-ended naval blockade of Iran, stoking fears of potential disruptions to crude shipments from the region and sending oil prices higher.

On the corporate front, Bird Construction climbed roughly 3% after reporting second-quarter earnings that topped profit expectations. Air Canada added about 2%, with a senior executive indicating the carrier is on track to deliver record revenue in September and October. Canadian Tire edged higher after beating forecasts on both earnings per share and revenue, while Onex slipped around 1% as the company highlighted progress toward several strategic objectives in the second quarter but did not disclose EPS figures.