CANADA STOCKS-Canada futures edge higher as markets steady amid geopolitical jitters

March 31 (Reuters) - Futures linked to Canada's main stock index rose on Tuesday as investors balanced hopes of U.S. President Donald Trump ending the Iran war with concerns over supply shocks from a prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure.

June futures on the S&P/TSX composite index SXFcv1 were up 0.8% as of 5:39 a.m. ET.

• Trump told aides he was willing to halt the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed, leaving efforts to reopen the waterway for later, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing administration officials.

• He had earlier warned that the United States would "obliterate" Iran's energy plants and oil wells if Tehran failed to restore access to the strait.

• Oil prices swung sharply on the shifting geopolitical signals. O/R

• Gold rose on Tuesday but stayed on track for its biggest monthly drop in over 17 years as investors piled into the dollar amid the Middle East war and rising inflation worries. GOL/

• The conflict has revived concerns about a fresh inflation hit to the global economy, with central banks, including the Bank of Canada to reassess policy, with traders now pricing in nearly four rate hikes by year-end.

• Canada's main stock index .GSPTSE is on track to close the first quarter with slim gains, its weakest performence in about two years, if broader losses hold through the end of the session.

• The benchmark is down about 7% for the month, poised for its worst showing since June 2022.

FOR CANADIAN MARKETS NEWS, CLICK ON CODES:

TSX market report .TO

Reuters global stocks poll for Canada EQUITYPOLL1, EPOLL/CA

Canadian markets directory CANADA