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TSX ends up 0.2%, at 20,196.69
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Canada's economy adds 35,000 jobs in March
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Nine of the 10 major sectors gain ground
(Adds details on activity; updates prices to close)
By Shristi Achar A and Fergal Smith
April 6 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index edged
higher on Thursday, adding to its weekly gain, as most major
sectors advanced and domestic data showed the economy adding
more jobs than expected last month.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended up 37.14 points, or 0.2%, at 20,196.69,
preliminary data showed.
For the week, it was up 5%, its third straight weekly
advance. The market is set to be closed on Friday for Good
Friday.
The Canadian economy added 35,000 jobs in March and the
unemployment rate remained near a record low, a sign of economic
resilience ahead of a central bank policy meeting next week.
U.S. benchmark the S&P 500 also rose as investors awaited
U.S. jobs data on Friday amid recent signs of a slowing U.S.
economy.
Nine of the TSX's 10 major sectors gained ground, including
a gain of 0.7% for consumer staples rose, while industrials
ended 0.6% higher.
Energy gave back some of its weekly gain, falling 0.7%. It
was boosted earlier in the week by a jump in oil prices after
major producers cut their output target.
(Reporting by Shristi Achar A in Bengaluru; Editing by Alistair
Bell)
