12:11 PM EST, 12/12/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Toronto Stock Exchange was down 250 points midday on Friday with tech, down 4%, and miners, down 2.4%, the worst performers.

Healthcare, up 10%, is the biggest gainer. Cannabis stocks are higher after reports that U.S. president Trump is expected to sign an executive order soon to ease federal restrictions on marijuana. Canopy Growth ( CGC ) is up 34% and Tilray Brands ( TLRY ) up 29% on last look.

In Canada, the Liberal government is just one seat shy of a majority now after yet another Conservative MP crossed the floor. The Liberals are nearer to having more free rein over economic policy issues.

On economic issues, National Bank published its 'Housing Affordability Monitor Q3 2025' in which it said housing affordability continued to improve in the third quarter of 2025, marking a seventh consecutive quarterly gain, the longest streak since the 1980's. National noted the composite mortgage payment as a percentage of income fell to 51.9%, its lowest level in almost four years, as home price declines in several markets provided relief in terms of affordability. "All in all, affordability gains have occurred predominantly in markets which were the most stretched in comparison to those offering cheaper dwellings," the bank added