* TSX ends up 0.8% at 34,937.85
* Materials group rises 3.1% as copper prices climb
* Financials add 0.9%
* Energy loses 0.5% as oil settles 3.2% lower
(Updates at market close)
By Tharuniyaa Lakshmi and Fergal Smith
TORONTO, June 12 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index moved
closer to a record high on Friday, led by gains for metal mining
shares, as hopes for an imminent peace deal in the Middle East
boosted investor sentiment globally.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index
ended up 266.39 points, or 0.8%, at 34,937.85 points,
marking the highest closing level since the index posted a
record high on June 4. For the week, the index was up 1.5%.
* The U.S. benchmark S&P 500 also rose as the United States
and Iran signaled that an agreement to end their war was close
and as SpaceX shares surged in their debut.
* "I'd say right now there is optimism this will be a
lasting peace," said Shiraz Ahmed, founder at Sartorial Wealth.
* The materials group, which includes metal
mining shares, was up 3.1%.
* A peace deal could help ease concerns over rising
inflation and slower economic growth, boosting copper prices
by 2.7%.
* On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada said it will not let
higher energy prices become persistent inflation as it left its
benchmark interest rate on hold at 2.25%.
* Heavily weighted financials added 0.9% and
consumer discretionary ended 0.7% higher.
* Shares of Apotex Health were up 5.4%, adding to
gains since the generic drugmaker made its market debut on
Wednesday in the TSX's largest IPO in five years.
* Four of the 10 major sectors ended lower, including
technology, which lost 1% and energy
* Energy was down 0.5% as the price of oil settled
3.2% lower at $84.88 a barrel.