Toronto stocks set to open weak amid soft resources

Fri Jul 4, 2008 2:00pm BST
 
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*TSX expected to open softer as commodities weaken

*Light volume expected with U.S. market holiday

TORONTO, July 4 (Reuters) - The Toronto Stock Exchange's main index looked set for a soft open on Friday, with resources pressured by weak commodities. The U.S. holiday will keep trade light.

The oil price, key for the resource-heavy index, eased below $145 a barrel as investors awaited a response from Iran on proposals to resolve the dispute over its nuclear program.

Other commodities, including gold and copper, were also lower, which could pull the materials sector down.

The benchmark index could also take its tone from weaker stocks around the world as economic jitters persisted. Banking stocks were hurt after Goldman Sachs lowered its price targets for over 40 banks. For details, see: [nL0452940].

U.S. markets are closed for the July 4 holiday.

"I don't see any real catalyst pushing this market forward until people get in next week and get a chance to evaluate things," said Steve Ibel, institutional equities trader at Beacon Securities, in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Worries over rising inflation and slower global growth are also unsettling world markets.  Continued...

 
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