Oct 17 (Reuters) - Futures tied to Canada's main stock

index rose on Thursday due to higher crude and gold prices,

while investors braced for U.S. economic data expected later in

the day.

December futures on the S&P/TSX index were up 0.3%

at 6:08 a.m. ET (10:08 GMT).

Canada's energy sector came in focus as oil prices rose,

with investors awaiting developments in the Middle East, U.S.

oil inventory data and details on China's stimulus plans.

The materials sector could take its cues from gold prices

that hit a record high on uncertainty around the U.S. elections

and expectations of more rate cuts by major central banks

globally.

However, copper prices hit a three-week low on the lack of

aggressive stimulus measures in China for the property market.

The composite index notched a record high on

Wednesday on anticipation of faster interest rate cuts by the

Bank of Canada, with increased bets for an outsized cut at the

policy meeting next week after a cooler-than-expected inflation

report on Tuesday.

Across the border, attention was on September's retail sales

and industrial production, as well as weekly jobless claims

data, which could help investors assess the economic health amid

a policy easing cycle.

Traders are pricing in a 94.6% chance of a 25-basis-point

cut at the Federal Reserve's next policy meeting on Nov. 7.

Wall Street futures rose on Thursday, benefiting from an

upbeat forecast from TSMC that lifted semiconductor

stocks in premarket trading.

In corporate news, the National Bank of Canada upgraded

Lithium Americas' stock to outperform from sector

perform.

COMMODITIES

Gold: $2,682.01; +0.3%

US crude: $70.66; +0.4%

Brent crude: $74.51; +0.4%

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($1 = 1.3779 Canadian dollars)