TSX Closer: The Index Rises as Healthcare, Energy Gain; Investors Weigh US Jobs Data, CUSMA Outlook

() -- The Toronto Stock Exchange rose on Thursday, led by gains in healthcare, industrial and energy shares, as investors weighed weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data, developments in North American trade and the outlook for interest rates. The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed up 109.68 points, or 0.3%, to 34,966.67, with mixed sectors. Health Care led gainers, up 1.30%, with Battery Metals Index, Industrials, Information and Technology, and Energy, up 1.15%, 0.36%, 0.41%, and 0.52%, respectively. Base Metals led decliners, down 1.80%, while Financial, down 0.53%, Utilities, down 0.19%, and Telecom, down 1.66%. In commodities, gold moved higher on Thursday as the U.S. dollar fell sharply after U.S. hiring slowed more than expected in June. The yellow metal for August delivery was last seen up 1.1% to $4,127.80 per ounce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the economy added just 57,000 jobs last month, down from 129,000 in May and well below expectations for an increase of 115,000, according to MarketWatch. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil edged higher on Thursday, even as supply concerns continue to ease with tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf since the.