The TSX composite was higher, gaining 66.49 points to 12,802.53 in mid-morning trading on Wednesday. The Dow was up 30.89 to 14,284.66, while NASDAQ lost 1.45 to 3,222.68.
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX: T.FM, Stock Forum), which is engaged in a hostile takeover bid for rival base metal miner Inmet Mining Corp. (TSX: T.IMN, Stock Forum), reported a 146% jump in quarterly profit, helped by higher copper and gold sales. It rose 1.99% to $18.44 in mid-morning trading.
Hugo Chavez’s death has left Venezuela in political uncertainty as the former President’s policies on the country’s 296.5 billion oil reserves will likely change.
The price of gold climbed US$5.00 to US$1,580.58 an ounce, while silver eased US$0.26 to U$28.96 an ounce.