* TSX up 0.6%
* Crypto stocks rise as Bitcoin climbs
* Materials up on upbeat Chinese data
Dec 27 (Reuters) – Canada’s main stock index rose 0.65%
on Wednesday, extending gains to a third day, helped by energy
and healthcare stocks, while investors grew optimistic that
major central banks could begin cutting interest rates in the
upcoming year.
At the 4 p.m. EST (2100 GMT) provisional close, the Toronto
Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index rose 134.72
points, or 0.65%, at 21,015.91, its highest close since May 4,
2022.
Fund managers were cautious after the recent rally, which
has taken this year’s index gains to 8.4%. They warned the price
action could be exacerbated by thin trading volume during the
holiday period, while Middle East tensions could be back in
focus in the New Year.
“The action in December always tends to be misleading
because the…
