By Adriano Marchese

Toronto's indexes were firmly lower midday Wednesday.

Most sectors were trending lower, with the biggest laggards in materials, process industries and distribution services. Of the few gainers, consumer discretionary, tech and energy led.

On the broader economic front, Canadian household-loan growth picked up in December. Annual growth in both mortgage and non-mortgage loans accelerated at their fastest pace in more than a year.

Canada's S&P/TSX Composite Index fell 0.3%, to 25563.13. The blue-chip S&P/TSX 60 declined by 0.4%, to 1536.75.

Shares in Gildan Activewear rose 3.1%, to 76.00 Canadian dollars (US$53.53), after it reported higher than expected sales thanks to market-share gains and a strong performance in its activewear category. The Canadian apparel company also set its guidance for growth in the year, topping expectations.

Other market movers:

Canadian Tire shares rose 4.4%, to C$146.20, after it said it agreed top sell its outdoor-and-workwear business Helly Hansen to Kontoor Brands for C$1.28 billion as the Canadian retailer tightens its focus on its home market.

Shares of Hudbay Minerals fell by over 16%, to C$10.63, after setting out a lower-than-expected guidance for 2025, due largely to a smaller contribution from its Peruvian operations.

AtkinsRealis Group shares rose 6.7%, to C$74.21, after the company said it was picked to help develop a new high-speed rail line in Canada and also said it had taken a majority stake in David Evans Enterprises.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 19, 2025 12:07 ET (17:07 GMT)

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