CANADA STOCKS-Energy, consumer staples push TSX to near six-week peak

Updates with market opening prices

By Ragini Mathur

Jan 23 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index extended gains on Thursday, aided by energy and consumer staples shares, while investors remained curious about U.S. President Donald Trump's policy moves.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index .GSPTSE was up 0.24% at 25,371.53, its highest since Dec. 13, and could log its eighth straight winning session if gains hold.

On TSX, heavyweight energy .SPTTEN was the top winning sector, advancing 1.2%, taking cues from firm oil prices. O/R

A 0.8% gain in consumer staples .GSPTTCS also supported the index.

However, metal mining shares .GSPTTMT limited overall gains, falling 1%, as gold prices dipped after hitting a near three-month high in the previous session. GOL/

Markets will be watching for Trump's virtual address at the World Economic Forum in Davos at 11:00 a.m. ET, for further clarity on his policies.

"I think what Trump is telling the world is that the U.S. is open for business and in the first few days of his presidency, he has done away with a lot of restrictive policy and rules in the U.S.," said Allan Small, senior investment advisor at Allan Small Financial Group with iA Private Wealth.

While Trump's stance of tax cuts and reduced regulation could benefit corporate profits, his tariff threats to Ottawa have kept domestic investors on edge.

Canadian retail sales were unchanged in November from October, data released on Thursday showed. Higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers were offset by lower sales at food and beverage retailers, Statistics Canada said.

Meanwhile, although the number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits rose last week, the increase was marginal, suggesting that solid job growth likely continued in January.

Among individual stocks, intermediate oil and natural gas company Birchcliff Energy BIR.TO rose the most at 8.5% after brokerage TD Cowen upgraded its rating to 'buy'.