Glacier FarmMedia — The Canadian dollar was slightly firmer on Friday, finishing the week off its recently-hit four-month lows as gains in crude oil provided support.
The Canadian dollar settled at US$0.7167 or US$1=C$1.3953, which compares with Thursday’s close of US$0.71621 or US$1=C$1.3963.
Canada’s services economy contracted in September, with the S&P Global Canada services purchasing managers index dipping to 46.3 from 48.6 the previous month.
The continued shutdown of the U.S. government and resulting lack of economic data remained a feature in the financial markets.
Crude oil showed some modest strength, with West Texas crude oil up by 0.53 per cent at US$60.80 per barrel.
The TSX Composite Index climbed to a new record high, rising 311.09 points at 30,471.68 points.
