Canada: TSX Hits Record as Gold Miners Rally.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.7% to a record close of 36,381 on Friday, led by a rally in mining stocks. Gold prices surged after weaker-than-expected US labor data and lower energy prices reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike this year. The US economy unexpectedly lost jobs in July, easing concerns that labor market strength could fuel inflation. Agnico Eagle climbed 5.9%, Barrick gained 5%, and WPM jumped 6.6%, while other gold miners advanced between 2.6% and 14%. Tech stocks also benefited from the positive sentiment on Wall Street, with Shopify rising 2.4%. In contrast, financials underperformed after stronger-than-expected Canadian jobs data increased the likelihood that the Bank of Canada could resume tightening if inflation pressures persist. RBC fell 0.7% and TD Bank lost 0.4%.