March futures for the S&P/TSX index were up 0.2% at 7:13 a.m. ET, setting it on course to open higher for an eighth straight day.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended 0.15% higher on Monday, marking its longest winning streak since last May, supported by consumer staples and technology stocks. [.TO]

Investors have their eyes on Canada's consumer price index report for December, due at 08:30 am ET. The data is expected to show inflation slowed to an annual rate of 6.4% last month from 6.8% in November, bolstering hopes of a less aggressive monetary policy path by the Bank of Canada.

Meanwhile, crude prices ticked up even as top-consumer China posted weak economic activity in the fourth-quarter, as its recent shift in COVID-19 policy has raised hopes of a recovery in fuel demand this year. [O/R]

Among company news, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc reported annual production update for 2022 and its outlook for 2023.

Gold miner Barrick Gold Corp said its fourth-quarter production rose 13.4% sequentially, helped by strong performance at Cortez, Carlin and Tongon mines.

Across the border, U.S futures slipped ahead of quarterly results from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, due before the bell. [.N]

COMMODITIES AT 7:13 a.m. ET

Gold futures: $1,915.3; -0.3% [GOL/]

US crude: $80.21; +0.45% [O/R]

Brent crude: $85.47; +1.2% [O/R]

FOR CANADIAN MARKETS NEWS, CLICK ON CODES:

TSX market report [.TO]

Canadian dollar and bonds report [CAD/] [CA/]

Reuters global stocks poll for Canada

Canadian markets directory

($1 = 1.3429 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Shristi Achar A in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi)