Today in the markets
U.S. stocks advanced Friday, pushing the Nasdaq to a 12-year closing high and the S&P 500 index to a 5-year high as stronger trade data boosted optimism.
Canadian stocks closed higher and commodities rose amid better-than-expected trade data from China, including soaring imports ahead of the Lunar New Year.
The S&P/TSX Composite was up 45.31 points to 12,801.23, while the TSX Venture Exchange edged down 0.30 points to close at 1,205.81.
Active stocks included AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL, Stock Forum), which surged more 7.3% to $33.72, after the web portal reported revenue growth for the first time in eight years. Fourth-quarter profits were in line with expectations.
Shares of LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD, Stock Forum) hit an all-time high, one day after the company reported a sudden rise in membership. The online network targeted to professionals handily beat earnings and revenue estimates for the fourth quarter. The stock closed at $150.48, up 21.3% on the day.
In Canada, shares of Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX: T.TCK.A, Stock Forum) (TSK: T.TCK.B, Stock Forum) (NYSE: TCK, Stock Forum), was down 3.4% to $33.28, adding to a loss of 6% Thursday amid a weak production forecast included in the miner’s latest earnings report.
For news about small stocks that made big moves in Friday’s trading, please read the
Stockhouse Canadian Small and Micro-cap Stock Report