* TSX ends up 0.7% at 33,695.76
* For the week, the index gains 1.8%
* Materials group advances 1.8%
* Cogeco Communications ( CGEAF ) falls 7.9% after revenue miss
(Updates at market close)
By Utkarsh Hathi and Fergal Smith
April 10 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index rose to a
five-week high on Friday as domestic data showed subdued jobs
growth and investors weighed prospects of a peace deal in the
Middle East, with resource and technology shares among the
biggest gainers.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX Composite Index
ended up 218.05 points, or 0.7%, at 33,695.76, marking
its highest closing level since March 4.
For the week, the index was up 1.8%, marking its third
straight weekly gain, after a two-week ceasefire between the
United States and Iran bolstered investor sentiment globally.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance departed for "make-or-break"
negotiations with Iran, even as Tehran insisted on measures
before peace talks could take place, throwing last-minute doubt
over the meetings scheduled in Pakistan.
"If there is a more lasting agreement over the weekend, it
would yield a positive result for the equities," said Shiraz
Ahmed, founder at Sartorial Wealth.
Canada's economy added 14,100 jobs in March, roughly
matching expectations, after shedding 83,900 in the prior month,
while the unemployment rate held steady at 6.7%.
"Given continued uncertainty over U.S. trade and with energy
prices adding to company costs, hiring is likely to remain
cautious in the near term," Andrew Grantham, a senior economist
at CIBC Capital Markets, said in a note.
The materials group, which includes metal mining
shares, rose 1.8% as copper prices climbed.
Energy recouped some of its declines over the
previous two days, adding 1.5%, even as the price of oil
settled 1.3% lower at $96.57 a barrel.
Technology was up 1.1%, with shares of electronic
equipment company Celestica Inc ( CLS ) adding 7.3%.
Heavily weighted financials ended 0.6% higher.
Just two of the 10 major sectors lost ground, including
consumer staples. It was down 0.7%.
Cogeco Communications ( CGEAF ) shares fell 7.9% after the
telecommunications firm missed quarterly revenue estimates.