Trillium Therapeutics up 1,308% in 2020

Canadian equities closed out 2020 with a slight gain, though lagged their peers south of the border.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index advanced 2.2 per cent this year, while the S&P 500 Index rose 16 per cent. Oil and gas stocks were among laggards as lockdowns continued, denting demand.

Here's a look at some companies that benefited — and those that have suffered this year.

WINNERS

❚ Trillium Therapeutics Inc. (+1,308 per cent): Cancer drug developer surged after data, and has been a hedge fund favourite.

❚ Ballard Power Systems Inc. (+221 per cent): Clean energy and electric-vehicle exposure has propelled Ballard.

❚ Shopify Inc. (+178 per cent) and Lightspeed POS Inc. (+149 per cent): Tech platforms surged during COVID-19 lockdowns, and the two have emerged as Canadian tech darlings.

❚ New Gold Inc. (+143 per cent) and Teranga Gold Corp. (+95 per cent): Gold acted as a haven during the pandemic, while fiscal uncertainty remains.

❚ Cargojet Inc. (+108 per cent): Cargo shipping has hit peak levels as many retail storefronts remain closed during lockdowns.

❚ Canfor Corp. (+89 per cent): Lockdowns boosted lumber futures on home renovations.

LOSERS

❚ Suncor Energy Inc. (-50 per cent), Inter Pipeline Ltd. (-47 per cent), Cenovus Energy Inc. (-41 per cent): Energy stocks lagged as oil briefly turned negative in the early stages of lockdowns along with a Saudi-Russia price war.

❚ Air Canada (-53 per cent): Travel bans crushed global flying.

❚ Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust (-43 per cent): Quebec REIT looking at strategic alternatives given office and retail exposure.

GAVIN YOUNG / POSTMEDIA NEWS FILES Cargo shipping has hit peak levels as many retail storefronts remain closed during COVID-19 lockdowns, and Canadian company Cargojet's shares gained 108 per cent in 2020.