TSX Closer: The Index Gains as Healthcare, Technology Stocks Rise

04:23 PM EDT, 10/20/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The S&P/TSX Composite Index edged higher on Tuesday supported by gains in healthcare, technology and telecom stocks, while investors assessed a weaker domestic economic growth outlook and Alberta's vote against separation. The index closed up 179.33 points, or 0.5%, at 36,107.96, with most sectors advancing. Healthcare led the gains, jumping 2.5%, followed by information technology and telecom, which rose 1.9% and 1.0%, respectively. Shares in base metals and energy declined 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively. The Battery Metals Index, which includes companies listed both on the TSX and TSX Venture Exchange, dropped 0.1%. In commodities, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude prices fell on Tuesday as investors evaluated the prospect of increased Russian energy supplies following Washington's decision to ease certain sanctions on Moscow. However, continued attacks on commercial vessels and Saudi energy infrastructure kept concerns over potential supply disruptions elevated. November WTI crude oil contract settled down $1.87, or 1.8%, at $101.79 per barrel, while December Brent oil was last seen down $0.38, or 0.4%, at $109.17 per barrel. Whereas December Comex gold futures dropped 0.5%, or $21.10, to $4,139.00 per ounce at last look. In currencies, the US dollar edged lower 0.4% against the Canadian dollar, with USD/CAD at 1.4058 at last look. In economics news, Canada's Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) Tuesday lowered its growth outlook as escalating trade tensions with the US weigh on the economy, while forecasting a rise in federal debt. Real gross domestic product growth is estimated to slow to 0.9% this year and 1.5% in 2027, down from previous estimates of 1.1% and 1.6%, respectively, said the PBO in a note. The federal debt is predicted to rise to CA$1.67 trillion in 2030-31 from CA$1.33 trillion in 2025-26. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne Tuesday said he will table the federal government's 2026 budget on Nov. 5. Meanwhile Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed Alberta's vote against separation, saying early results point to strong majority support for national unity. Albertans "chose unity, to build together, and to take care of each other," wrote Prime Minister Carney in a statement released early Tuesday. In early returns, around 76% of voters marked their ballot in favor of keeping the province as part of Canada, while 24% voted to hold a binding referendum on whether to split from the rest of the country, according to Elections Alberta's website. The result offers greater near-term certainty for businesses and investor, TD Economics said in a note. Final official results will be published on Oct. 29.