04:18 PM EST, 11/11/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Toronto Stock Exchange on Tuesday took its gains for the last two days to a total near 500 points as investors appear to be content that Canada is now on the path to future economic and market independence and prosperity with the federal government having made critical-minerals refining the "name of the game".

Despite mixed commodity prices, the resources heavy TSX was up 92.62 points or 0.3% at 30,409.25, adding to the more than 400 points gained Monday. Most sectors were higher, led by the Battery Metals Index up near 3.9% and Energy up near 1.6%. In contrast, Info Tech was down 1.2% and Base Metals down near 1.1%.

Canada is seeking an economic reset, with renewed focus, after a busy few weeks that saw the release of key central bank-related news and views on monetary policy, a long awaited federal government budget that flags increased future deficits and a breakdown of trade talks with the United States.

On Canada's outlook prospects with critical minerals, The Canadian Press cited Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne saying his goal is to help make Canada the NATO partner of choice when it comes to supplying critical minerals as defense becomes a focus for many countries.

Refining is the "name of the game" and Canada can do better than just shipping those high-demand materials south in their raw form, The Canadian Press noted Champagne told a Calgary business audience Monday almost a week after he delivered the latest federal budget. "Exploration, extraction is something. But what we need is refining. That's the key," he said. Minerals like titanium, used to make submarines, are crucial to defense initiatives, he added.

The Canadian Press noted the budget released last Tuesday outlines a plan for a $2-billion "critical minerals sovereign fund" over five years for equity investments, loan guarantees and offtake agreements.

Critical minerals are becoming "decisive" to the competitiveness of countries, Champagne said. "If we left it entirely to the market, I'm not sure we would meet the moment."

On energy, Champagne said "mentalities are changing" around developing oil and gas resources and ensuring they can get to market. He added Canada needs to "get its act together" on ensuring regulations don't hold such projects back and that there's much more work to be done on boosting its productivity.

Of commodities, gold traded higher afternoon Tuesday as the dollar weakened again as U.S. legislators reached a weekend deal to re-open the government. Gold for December delivery was last seen up $9.80 to US$4,131.80 per ounce, sticking below its Oct. 20 record of US$4,359.40 per ounce.

Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude oil rose for a third-straight session, but remained tightly rangebound, with rising supply offset by strong demand for refined products. WTI crude oil for December delivery closed up $0.91 to settle at US$61.04 per barrel, while January Brent oil was last seen up $1.07 to US$65.13.