CANADA STOCKS-TSX futures gain ahead of domestic retail sales data

Dec 19 (Reuters) - Futures for Canada's main stock index inched higher on Friday, as investors awaited retail sales figures that could offer fresh signals on the economy.

Futures on the S&P/TSX Composite index SXFcv1 were up 0.2% by 06:42 a.m. ET.

Toronto's benchmark index .GSPTSE snapped a four‑day losing streak on Thursday, helped by softer‑than‑expected U.S. inflation data that bolstered bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026. Still, the index is on track for a weekly loss, with volatile oil prices and a Wall Street selloff keeping a lid on sentiment.

Ahead of the release of Canada's retail sales data for October later in the day, analysts polled by Reuters expect a flat month-over-month reading, after a 0.7% decline in September.

Early on Friday, gold XAU= prices fell, pressured by a stronger dollar and year-end investor positioning, while silver XAG= added 0.7% to $65.90 an ounce, hovering near the record high. GOL/

Oil LCOc1, CLc1 prices dipped as a potential supply glut and prospects of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal offset concerns over disruptions from a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers. O/R

In corporate news, BlackBerry BB.TO raised the lower end of its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast on strong demand for its cybersecurity software, while posting third-quarter revenue above analyst estimates.

Lundin Mining LUN.TO said it planned to sell its Eagle nickel-copper mine and Humboldt Mill to Talon Metals TLO.TO in a deal worth about $84 million.

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