CANADA STOCKS-TSX futures fall as gold dips; inflation data in focus

Feb 17 (Reuters) - Futures tracking Canada's main stock index edged lower on Tuesday as precious metal prices retreated, while investors awaited January inflation data due later in the morning.

March futures on S&P/TSX composite index SXFcv1 fell 0.18% as of 5:40 a.m. ET.

Toronto's benchmark index .GSPTSE jumped 1.9% on Friday, as softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data raised prospects of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, lifting commodity-linked shares.

Spot gold XAU= fell 1.4% and silver XAG= dropped 2.8%, pressured by thin trading volumes with major Asian markets shut for Lunar New Year holidays, and North American markets closed on Monday. A stronger U.S. dollar also pressured the prices. GOL/

Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 0.55%, as traders assessed the supply outlook after Iran conducted naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz. Tuesday's nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. will bring more clarity. O/R

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 0.83%, including all of Monday's price action as the contract did not have a settlement that day due to the Presidents Day holiday.

Investors will focus on Canada's January inflation data, due at 8:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Janice Charette as the next chief trade negotiator for the U.S.

In corporate news, miner Wheaton Precious Metals WPM.TO said it has signed a silver streaming agreement worth $4.3 billion with BHP Group BHP.AX. BHP will deliver silver from its share of output at Peru's Antamina mine.

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