Oct 16 (Reuters) - Futures tied to Canada's main stock

index rose on Thursday, tracking higher commodity prices, while

investors awaited comments from Bank of Canada Governor Tiff

Macklem that could offer clues on interest rate cuts by the

central bank.

December futures on the S&P/TSX index were up 0.2%

at 5:36 a.m. ET (0936 GMT).

Macklem is set to speak on Canada's economic outlook at

13:30 ET. Market participants price in 66% chances of a

25-basis-point rate cut at the October 29 policy meeting.

Despite last week's unexpectedly robust jobs report, many

analysts believe the central bank remains on an easing

trajectory - one that might proceed slower rather than being

completely derailed.

Economic data on the day showed Canadian home sales fell

1.7% in September from August.

In commodities, gold ascended to fresh record highs,

as investors flocked to the safe-haven asset amid escalating

U.S.-China trade tensions and U.S. government shutdown concerns.

Copper prices in Shanghai also edged higher as market

participants focused on potential supply constraints.

Oil prices, climbed after U.S. President

Donald Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had

pledged his country would stop buying oil from Russia, a move

that could drain supply elsewhere.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index

scaled a record high on Wednesday, with technology and

metal mining shares leading gains, as investors bet the Fed and

the BoC would continue to cut interest rates.

In corporate news, Altius Minerals ( ATUSF ) reported

Wednesday that its attributable royalty revenue for the third

quarter is expected to reach about C$21.2 million ($15.1

million) from C$14.7 million in the same period last year.

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