TORONTO – In a positive shift for the Canadian equities market, Canada’s main stock index experienced significant gains during late-morning trading on Friday, February 13, 2026. The rise was primarily driven by advancements in the basic materials sector, indicating a robust performance in this segment of the economy. Concurrently, U.S. markets also exhibited upward momentum, reflecting a broader trend in investor confidence across North America.
The S&P/TSX composite index reported an increase of 419.95 points, reaching a new level of 32,885.23. This uplift in the index highlights the resilience of the Canadian stock market amid fluctuating economic conditions.
In the United States, the invigorated trading atmosphere was mirrored in key stock indices. The Dow Jones industrial average rose by 87.45 points, standing at 49,539.43. The S&P 500 index followed suit with an increase of 17.10 points, climbing to 6,849.86, while the Nasdaq composite experienced a modest rise of 8.38 points, reaching 22,605.53. These figures indicate an overall positive sentiment among investors in major U.S. markets as well.
The currency exchange market also saw movements, as the Canadian dollar was trading at 73.35 cents US, a slight decrease from 73.50 cents US recorded on the previous Thursday. This fluctuation in the currency exchange rate could be attributed to various factors, including market dynamics and economic indicators affecting both countries.
In the commodities market, crude oil prices faced a minor decline. The March crude oil contract dropped by six cents, settling at US$62.78 per barrel. This trend can reflect ongoing concerns regarding global oil supply and demand dynamics as well as changes in production levels among major oil-producing nations.
Conversely, the precious metals market showcased a positive turn with the April gold contract experiencing a significant jump of US$75.70, now trading at US$5,024.10 an ounce. This rise in gold prices may reflect investor behavior favoring safe-haven assets amid uncertainties or geopolitical tensions affecting broader economic outlooks.
Overall, the trading session on this day marked a notable uptrend in key indexes both in Canada and the U.S., with specific sectors such as basic materials making substantial contributions to market performance. Analysts will likely continue to monitor these trends to better understand the implications for future trading and economic strategies.
