CANADA STOCKS-TSX futures rise on commodity strength as holiday week begins

Dec 22 (Reuters) - Futures for Canada’s main stock index edged higher on Monday, supported by higher commodity prices, at the start of a holiday-shortened week that has been traditionally beneficial for equities. The March futures on the S&P/TSX index (SXFcv1) were up 0.1% as of 6:40 a.m. ET. Toronto’s benchmark (.GSPTSE) hit a new peak on Friday as risk appetite was underpinned by hopes of easing borrowing costs and economic stimulus heading into 2026. Market sentiment was buttressed by renewed optimism surrounding AI stocks on Wall Street, which had recently faced pressure due to concerns about high valuations. Attention will turn to U.S. GDP data expected this week, one of the final major economic indicators of the year. TSX has gained 1.2% this month as strength in financial and gold stocks has outweighed volatility in technology and energy stocks. It is also set to outperform the major Wall Street indexes this year with a 28.5% rise, its best yearly showing since 2009. The Canadian economy has shown resilience in the face of a tariff dispute with the U.S. Investors now look forward to whether Prime Minister Mark Carney’s fiscal stimulus would unlock billions of dollars in investment. Helping the TSX futures early on Monday, gold (XAU=) crossed the $4,400-per-ounce level for the first time, lifted by expectations of U.S. rate cuts and continued safe-haven buying, while silver (XAG=) soared to a new record high. (GOL/) Brent crude (LCOc1) and West Texas Intermediate crude (CLc1) rose more than 1.5% after officials said the U.S. had intercepted an oil tanker in international waters off the coast of Venezuela, stoking fears of supply disruptions. (O/R) In corporate updates, Brookfield Corporation (BN.TO) filed for a mixed shelf offering, not disclosing the size. FOR CANADIAN MARKETS NEWS, CLICK ON CODES: TSX market report (.TO) Canadian dollar and bonds report (CAD/) (CA/) Reuters global stocks poll for Canada (EQUITYPOLL1) (EPOLL/CA) Canadian markets directory (CANADA) (By Avinash P in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)