Toronto stocks were little changed at open Wednesday as gauges of most sectors were stuck in the mud, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index edging up 19.60 points or 0.17 percent to 11,590.79.
Fertilizer maker Agrium Inc. (AGU.TO) rose nearly 3 percent after increasing its second quarter earnings guidance to a range of $5.40 to $5.50 per share from the earlier at the top end of its $4.18 to $4.78 per share. Analysts expect the company to report earnings of $4.75 per share.
Potash Corp. (POT.TO) was up over 1 percent.
CIC Energy Corp. (ELC.TO) soared 18 percent after confirming that it is in advanced negotiations with Jindal Steel & Power (Mauritius) Limited regarding the possible acquisition of the company at an indicative price of C$2.00 per share.
Meanwhile, gold stocks were under pressure amid a fall in bullion prices. Goldcorp. (G.TO) and Detour Gold (DGC.TO) were down around 2 percent each, while Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM.TO) and Barrick Gold (ABX.TO) were slipping around 1 percent each.
Broadcasting and wireless communications company Aastra Technologies (AAH.TO) lost over 2 percent after reporting a lower second quarter profit.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com