North American markets closed mixed on Wednesday as rising gold stocks delivered a modest gain to Toronto. The S&P/TSX composite index rose 30.47 points to close at 6,721.28.

Overall, 10 of the 13 TSX indices advanced, led by gold’s 2.24% rise. Bullion rose US$2.40 to US$359.90 an ounce.

Barrick Gold advanced 61¢ to $24.55, while Placer Dome added 45¢ to $17.65.

The information technology index climbed 1.02%. Nortel Networks rose 14 cents to $3.61.

In earnings news, Imperial Oil sailed past analysts’ estimates with its latest earnings report. The shares rose 59¢ to $44.99.

Royal Bank and Bank of Montreal shares rose after both affirmed their 2003 targets. Royal gained 90¢ to $57.81; BMO rose 55¢ to $41.68.

Laurentian Bank announced the appointment of former auditor-general Denis Desautels as its chairman. The bank’s dipped 6¢ to $27.50

Market momentum was negative as declining issues topped advancers 571 to 521. Volume was a healthy 220 million shares worth $2.9 billion.

The TSX Venture Exchange edged 3.03 points higher at 1,126.44.

In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 124.17 points to end the day at 8,318.73 — 23 points below its end-of-2002 level.

Dow component Eastman Kodak was the big drag Wednesday. Its shares plunged after it reported fourth-quarter earnings that missed analyst expectations.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index shed 4.80 points to 1359.50. The S&P 500 lost 9.25 points to 878.38.

The Canadian dollar gained 0.03¢ to close at US65.30¢.