(Adds strategist quotes and details throughout, updates prices)
* TSX ends up 19.68 points, or 0.1%, at 20,590.98
* Closes 2.3% above its session low
* Energy rises 3.6%; oil settles 2.8% higher
* Technology declines 3%
TORONTO, Jan 25 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index edged
higher on Tuesday, bouncing back from a steep sell-off earlier
in the day, as resource shares benefited from geopolitical
tensions boosting oil and gold prices.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index
ended up 19.68 points, or 0.1%, at 20,590.98, after
declining in the five previous trading days.
The index closed 2.3% above its session low, but sentiment
remained fragile amid fears that Russia will invade Ukraine and
ahead of interest rate announcements on Wednesday by the Bank of
Canada and the Federal Reserve.
"A lot of the direction of the markets for the rest of the
week is likely going to be determined by what the Fed says or
doesn't say tomorrow," said Angelo Kourkafas, investment
strategist at Edward Jones.
Investors expect the Fed to signal an interest rate increase
in March, while the Bank of Canada could hike for the first time
since October 2018.
"We have sentiment that is reaching extremes in terms of
investor anxiety and caution," Kourkafas said. "Typically, that
sets the stage for a rebound. Especially as we think that the
fundamental backdrop remains supportive."
The energy group rose 3.6%, helped by higher oil prices.
U.S. crude oil futures settled up 2.8% at $85.60 a barrel
on concerns supplies could become tight due to Ukraine-Russia
tensions, threats to infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates
and struggles by OPEC+ to hit its targeted monthly output
increase.
The materials group added 0.6% as gold benefited from its
safe-haven status to reach its highest level in more than two
months.
Heavily-weighted financials ended 0.3% higher.
Weighing on the market was renewed pressure on technology.
The sector gave back its previous day's gains, closing down 3%.
(Reporting by Fergal Smith; Additional reporting by Ambar
Warrick; Editing by Bernard Orr)