Energy drags TSX lower ahead of OPEC, pipeline decisions
By Fergal Smith TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index fell to a new one-week low on Tuesday as energy stocks slumped due to major oil exporters' struggle to agree on terms of a planned production cut, while Bank of Nova Scotia gained after a solid earnings report. U.S. crude prices settled $1.85 lower at $45.23 a barrel, as Iran and Iraq resisted pressure from Saudi Arabia to curtail their output, complicating the efforts of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries to reach a global output-limiting deal when it meets on Wednesday. [O/R] The most influential weights on the index included Suncor Energy Inc, which fell 2.2 percent to C$40.35, and Canadian Natural Resources Ltd, down 2.3 percent to C$41.67. The energy group retreated 2.4 percent overall. The pullback in energy stocks is a "buying opportunity," said Philip Petursson, chief investment strategist at Manulife Asset Management. "We have seen a real shift in mindset out of OPEC ... that something needs to be done to support oil prices and if it (a deal) is not done at this meeting then it will be done the next time they get together." Energy investors are also awaiting Canadian government decisions on two major Enbridge Inc pipeline projects that are expected on Tuesday. Shares in the company fell 1.3 percent to C$56.69. The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index closed down 15.55 points, or 0.1 percent, at 14,999.81, its lowest since Nov. 21. Just three of the index's 10 main groups ended lower. The financials group gained 0.6 percent, helped by Bank of Nova Scotia gaining 1.6 percent to C$73.70 after Canada's third-biggest lender reported a better-than-expected rise in fourth-quarter earnings. "The number one question on the banks continues to be how well they manage through a housing slow down if we see one. I think they are well prepared for it and that's showing up in the results," Petursson said. The materials group, which includes precious and base metals miners and fertilizer companies, lost 0.7 percent. Copper producer First Quantum Minerals Ltd declined more than 7 percent to C$14.60 as industrial metal prices tumbled on fears that a post-U.S. election rally had become overstretched. Copper prices declined 3.0 percent to $5,704.85 a tonne and gold futures fell 0.3 percent to $1,187.2 an ounce. [GOL/][MET/L] Canada's current account deficit narrowed in the third quarter after three consecutive quarterly increases as exports saw the highest growth in over two years. (Additional reporting by Alastair Sharp; Editing by Paul Simao and Chris Reese)
