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TSX ends down 0.5% at 24,248.20

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Posts lowest closing level since October 31

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Consumer-related stocks lead declines

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Resource shares rally

(Updates at market close)

By Nikhil Sharma and Fergal Smith

March 11 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index extended

its recent declines on Tuesday, including losses for financial

and consumer-related shares, as the implementation of U.S.

tariffs grew more unpredictable and investors prepared for a

slowdown in economic growth.

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

ended down 132.51 points, or 0.5%, at 24,248.20, its lowest

closing level since October 31.

U.S. stocks also closed lower as a threat of fresh U.S.

tariffs contributed to volatility.

U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up a burgeoning trade war

with Canada, vowing to double tariffs set to take effect within

hours on all imported steel and aluminum products from America's

northern neighbor to 50%, although he later said he would likely

lower them after Canadian officials agreed to talks.

"The market is anticipating a slowdown in future growth and

it's trying to price it in," said Allan Small, senior investment

advisor at Allan Small Financial Group with iA Private Wealth.

A Reuters poll on Friday found that recession risks were

mounting for the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The Bank of Canada has lowered its benchmark interest rate

by two percentage points since June to support the domestic

economy. Investors expect the central bank to ease by a further

25 basis points on Wednesday.

The consumer staples sector fell 2.8%, with shares of food

retail company Empire Company Ltd ( EMLAF ) down 3.4%.

Consumer discretionary was down 1.8%, industrials lost 1.4%

and heavily weighted financials ended 1.4% lower.

Resource shares helped limit the TSX's losses.

The materials sector, which includes fertilizer companies and

metal mining shares, added 2.7% as gold and copper

prices rallied.

Energy rose 0.7% as the price of oil settled 0.3%

higher at $66.25 a barrel.