Glacier FarmMedia – The Canadian dollar was relatively steady on Thursday morning after a new round of strikes in the Middle East fuelled rising crude oil prices.
The loonie was at US$0.7320 or US$1=C$1.3661 as of 8:41 a.m. CST, compared to Wednesday’s close at US$0.7319 or US$1=C$1.3664. The United States Dollar Index increased by 0.30 of a point at 99.07.
Crude oil prices jumped as bombing campaigns by Iran, as well as those by Israel and the United States, continued and spread to neighbouring countries. West Texas Intermediate rose US$3.46 at US$78.12 per barrel. Brent crude oil climbed US$2.74 at US$84.14/barrel.
The TSX/S&P Composite Index returned to the red, losing 295.07 points at 33,647.79.
Gold shed US$17.60 per ounce at US$5,117.10.
