Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index rose on Tuesday as precious metals extended gains, ahead of interest rate decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada. The BoC is widely expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 2.25%, while the Fed is also forecast to hold rates steady. Higher gold prices boosted mining stocks. Meanwhile, energy shares came under pressure as oil prices slipped after Kazakhstan’s energy ministry said output at its largest oilfield is set to resume, though losses were capped by a severe winter storm in the US that disrupted crude production. In corporate news, investment fund La Caisse said after Monday’s close that it plans to sell part of its stake in telecom firm Cogeco Communications.
