CANADA STOCKS — TSX futures slide as bond yields surge ahead of retail sales data

Sept 24 — Futures tracking Canada's blue-chip stocks retreated on Thursday as a sharp rise in global government bond yields weighed on sentiment, while investors awaited retail sales data for clues on the health of Canadian consumers. December futures on the S&P/TSX index were down 0.48% at 5.49 a.m. ET (9.49 a.m. GMT). The benchmark US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 5.139%, its highest level since 2007, as higher crude prices aggravated inflation pressures, prompting traders to increase bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes. Its Canadian equivalent climbed to 3.953%. Retail sales data due later in the day will be closely watched for insights for signals on the health of Canadian consumers. Canada's mining-heavy bourse could come under pressure as gold prices fell 0.5% to $4,265.89 per ounce, pressured by rising Treasury yields and higher oil prices. Spot silver fell 1.2% to $63.72 per ounce. GOL/ Oil prices rose more than 2% on Thursday as little progress was made in diplomatic talks between the US and Iran, while uncertainty over a potential US ban on diesel exports added to supply concerns. O/R The benchmark TSX posted its biggest one-day decline since June 5 on Wednesday, with