Canadian and U.S. Stock Markets Climb Higher in Early Trading

Canada's primary stock market index, the S&P/TSX composite, climbed nearly 200 points in late-morning trading. The gains were led by strong performances in the utility and financial sectors. By mid-morning, the index had risen 187.13 points to reach 35,705.68.

Across the border, U.S. stock markets also saw gains. The Dow Jones industrial average added 385.15 points to hit 51,653.05. The S&P 500 index increased by 68.84 points, reaching 7,842.79, while the Nasdaq composite gained 238.54 points, closing at 27,715.85.

The Canadian dollar experienced a slight increase, trading at 70.30 cents US, up from 70.16 cents US the previous day.

In commodities, the November crude oil contract fell US$1.53 to US$87.90 per barrel. Meanwhile, the December gold contract surged US$31.20 to US$4,188.00 an ounce.