Canada's benchmark stock index ended lower on Tuesday, reflecting a cautious tone across global markets.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 0.17%, or 37.51 points, to close at 21,742.32. Declines in the energy and financial sectors offset gains in select consumer and industrial stocks, contributing to the modest decline.
Energy shares led the losses, with the sector down 0.5% as oil prices retreated from recent highs. Financials, a key component of the index, also slipped 0.3%, pressured by mixed earnings signals from major banks.
The materials sector, which includes precious metals and mining stocks, edged higher by 0.1%, supported by a slight uptick in gold prices. Meanwhile, the technology sector remained flat, with no significant movement in major tech stocks.
Investor sentiment appeared subdued amid concerns over global economic growth and central bank policy uncertainty. The Bank of Canada's recent hawkish stance on interest rates also weighed on market sentiment, though no major policy changes were announced during the session.
Advancers slightly outnumbered decliners on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with 1,120 stocks rising against 1,080 falling. Trading volume totaled 320.5 million shares, below the 20-day average of 340 million.
The index has now posted a 1.2% decline over the past five trading sessions, reflecting broader market caution.
