12:13 PM EDT, 05/28/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Toronto Stock Exchange, which opened higher in morning trade, is flat at midday, on mixed sectors.

Healthcare, up 0.7%, is the biggest gainer, while miners, down 1.2%, is the biggest decliner.

BMO Economics in its morning note, said there are no Canadian data released today. On the U.S. docket (at 2pm ET), Minutes from the May 6-7 FOMC meeting will be released.

Meanwhile, Derek Holt, Vice-President & Head of Capital Markets Economics at Scotiabank, in his morning note said Canada should run from being involved in the proposed 'Golden Dome'.

Holt noted U.S. President Donald Trump said last evening that Canada's share of his 'Golden Dome' missile defence proposal would be $61 billion. Presumably he's talking USD, so at the current spot exchange rate that's about C$84 billion. "And in his usual insulting fashion said the cost would be nothing if Canada became a 51st state; fat chance," Holt added.

Holt noted Trump's total tally for the project of US$175 billion is at the low-end of the CBO's estimated cost that stretches to about half a trillion dollars. Canada's implied share of the project would be 35% if we go with Trump's numbers. Holt said if we went with the high range and the same implied share, then Canada's cost could "balloon". Holt added" "Signing on wouldn't help the image the Canadian government is trying to cultivate by way of being more fiscally prudent than the prior regime."

In stocks, Bank of Montreal ( BNKD ) (BMO.TO, BMO) on Wednesday reported better-than-expected second quarter earnings on "growth across each operating group and ongoing positive operating leverage" and increased its dividend although its provision for credit losses was also higher in the quarter.

Meanwhile, National Bank of Canada ( NTIOF ) posted a big adjusted earnings beat for the second quarter as it integrated Canadian Western Bank and recorded "solid organic growth," prompting it to increase its dividend. But its provision for credit losses, something market watchers are keeping one eye on with the Canadian banks, was higher in the quarter.