July 10 (Reuters) - Futures tracking Canada's blue-chip

stock index edged higher on Friday as investors assessed Middle

East tensions and awaited the June jobs report for insights on

the economy and the Bank of Canada's monetary policy path.

September contracts tracking the resources-heavy S&P/TSX

Composite index were up 0.2% by 6:16 a.m. ET.

* Eyes were on Canada's June jobs report, due at 08:30 a.m.

ET, which could offer cues on the Bank of Canada's interest rate

outlook.

* Traders largely expect the central bank to keep rates

unchanged this year, according to LSEG data, with the next

policy decision scheduled for July 15.

* Oil prices were marginally lower on Friday after slipping

in the previous session. Brent crude futures traded

around $76.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude

futures dropped 0.3% to $71.83.

* The Canadian benchmark index is set to decline about 0.2%

for the week, if losses hold. The index had posted weekly gains

for the last two weeks.

* Precious metals were also headed for weekly losses, with

spot gold down 0.4% and silver falling 0.8%. The

rise in demand for safe havens amid escalating Middle East

tensions boosted mining stocks in the previous session, lifting

the TSX.

* In company news, industrial valve maker Velan ( VLNSF )

posted an adjusted net loss in the first quarter as lower

volumes and higher provisions hit profitability.

* On the trade front, Prime Minister Mark Carney told a

televised business forum that Saudi Arabia could help Canadian

mining firms develop. He also met Amin Nasser, head of state oil

giant Saudi Aramco, for talks deepening cooperation.

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