By Adriano Marchese


Toronto indexes were virtually flat to start the week Monday at midday. Sector performance was mixed, with losses largely in communications, manufacturing and health services, offset primarily by gains in energy, tech and process industries.

On the macroeconomic front, Canada's economy stumbled ahead of the holiday season, falling 0.1% in November, after perking up slightly in recent months, which analysts say could leave room for more interest rates in the new year.

Canada's S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 0.1% to 24616.21 and the blue-chip S&P/TSX 60 was unchanged at 1476.18.

Vermilion Energy shares fell Monday morning after the company said it was acquiring a privately held oil-and-gas company in Alberta, Westbrick Energy, for 1.08 billion Canadian dollars ($751.2 million).


Other market movers:

Payfare shares rose after the company agreed to be acquired by an affiliate of payments and financial services technology provider Fiserv for C$201.5 million.


Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-23-24 1221ET