• TSX +90.86 to 13,324.94 (CP) on comments from Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke that he is prepared to further stimulate the faltering U.S. economy and gold prices that hit a new record.
• DOW +44.73 to 12,491.61
• Dollar +.70c to 104.20c USD as strong Chinese growth data helped drive commodity prices higher. The currency was also lifted by comments by U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.
• Oil +$.62 to $98.05USD per barrel
• Gold +$23.20 to $1585.50 USD per ounce
Gold glitters to close at a new RECORD HIGH closing price on continuing fears over debt crises unfolding in Europe and the U.S., which has yet to craft a plan to avoiding defaulting on its obligations by raising the country’s debt ceiling. Europe’s problems also appeared no closer to resolution.
• Canadian 5 yr bond yields markets +.02bps to 2.17.
The spread (based on the MERIX 5 yr rate published rate of 3.84%) is at the top of the comfort zone at 1.67.
The spread based on the quick close of 3.64% is mid comfort zone at 1.47
