CANADA STOCKS-TSX returns to positive territory for 2025 as Canada votes

By Sanchayaita Roy and Fergal Smith

April 28 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index edged higher as Canadians headed to the polls on Monday, with investors betting that the market will benefit from receiving greater clarity on the nation's economic policies after the outcome of the vote is known.

Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index .GSPTSE ended up 88.08 points, or 0.4%, at 24,798.59, closing above its 2024 year-end level for the first time since April 2 amid recent hopes of a cooling in the global trade war.

The ruling Liberal Party is expected to win the most seats in a general election but the main opposition Conservative Party has closed the gap in recent days, the latest polls show.

Regardless who wins, Canada stands to elect a more business-friendly government than has been the case in recent years after both main parties proposed sweeping changes to boost economic growth.

The "Canadian economy wants certainty", said Shiraz Ahmed, senior portfolio manager and founder of Sartorial Wealth, Raymond James.

"With the lingering uncertainty, regardless of what candidate wins, we will have that party's policies, which will give some economic certainty from a domestic policy standpoint."

Financials, the most heavily weighted sector on the TSX, technology and energy all gained 0.4%.

Energy was up even as the price of oil CLc1 settled 1.5% lower at $62.05 a barrel on lingering demand concerns.

The price of gold XAU= increased 1%, supportive of metal mining shares. The materials group ended 0.3% higher.

Industrials declined 0.5% as railroad shares lost ground and healthcare ended 1.4% lower.