TSX Composite Gains 0.22% on Strong Trade Surplus and Corporate Deals

The S&P/TSX Composite Index gained 0.22% to close at 35,597.00 on October 6, 2026, as Canada's stock market extended its October recovery. The rise was driven by a stronger-than-expected trade surplus, softer global bond yields, and major corporate deals. Canada's merchandise trade surplus hit C$4.2 billion in August, far exceeding forecasts of C$1.55 billion. Exports to the U.S. surged 8.1%, pushing the surplus with America to C$11.2 billion.

Technology stocks, financials, and materials supported the benchmark, while weaker crude prices limited gains in the energy sector. The S&P/TSX 60 Index also rose 0.24% to 2,095.12, benefiting from technology and financial stocks. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index gained 0.38% to 881.91, with mining and exploration companies driving gains.

Top gainers included Athabasca Oil, which jumped 13.5% after Cenovus Energy announced a C$5.7 billion acquisition. Spartan Delta Corp. gained 4.1%, Shopify Inc. rose 1.77%, and Canadian Natural Resources increased 1.53%. However, Cenovus Energy fell 3% as investors assessed the financial implications of its acquisition.

Corporate deals, including Emera's merger with Canadian Utilities and Cenovus's acquisition of Athabasca Oil, kept investors focused on the changing energy and infrastructure sectors. National Bank of Canada received approval for a share buyback program worth up to C$2.25 billion, set to begin on October 8.