Stocks edge up as Ukraine tensions ease

TORONTO • The Toronto stock market closed higher amid an easing of tensions in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia and reassuring inflation data from China.

The S&P/TSX composite index ran up 65.33 points to 15,261.64.

The Canadian dollar was ahead 0.43 of a cent to US91.58¢.

U.S. indexes were also positive as traders felt more inclined to take on risk, following reports Friday that Russia called an end to military exercises near Ukraine and withdrew troops to their bases.

The Dow Jones industrials were well off the highs of the day but still up 16.05 points to 16,569.98, the Nasdaq climbed 30.43 points to 4401.33 while the S&P 500 index was ahead 5.33 points to 1936.92.

The gold sector edged up 0.27% as increased appetite for risk pushed December gold down US40¢ to US$1,308.50 an ounce. The energy sector was slightly higher, while crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange gained US43¢ to US$98.08 a barrel.

Shares of Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp. continued to charge ahead following a U.S. regulatory decision that relaxes safety precautions on the Vancouverbased company’s experimental drug for treating Ebola. Its stock surged $2.84 or 12.35% to $25.84, after jumping 47% on Friday. Last month a small human trial of the experimental drug was put on hold after safety issues emerged.