Toronto stocks rose climbed the fourth straight session as ivestor optimism for a strong second-half recovery continued to grow. The S&P/TSX composite index rose 25.38 points to 7,516.45.

The information technology sector jumped 2%, while energy stocks added about 1%.

Technology stocks enjoyed strong gains as optimism for chip stocks grew following broker upgrades.

Graphic chip maker ATI Technologies rose 60¢ to $19.27, while Celestica gained 68¢ to$24.05.

Strong oil prices lifted energy stocks. Husky Energy rose 94¢ to $20.45, while Suncor Energy advanced 28¢ to $26.90.

Gold stocks faded as investors exited the traditional safe haven.
Barrick Gold fell 44¢ o $27.26. Placer Dome slid 44¢ to $18.66.


Toronto volume was healthy as 210 million shares valued at $2.6 billion changed hands. Market momentum was positive with 715 issues advancing and 461 declining.

The junior S&P/TSX Venture composite index closed up 7.67 at 1280.05.

In New York, stocks climbed on Thursday after a fresh batch of economic data fuelled investor optimism for an economic recovery.

The blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average climbed 26.17 points to 9,423.68, while the broader S&P 500 index rose 2.97 points to 1,003.27. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index rose 17.01 points to 1,777.55.

The Canadian dollar retreated for the fourth straight day pushed down by a stronger greenback and worries over the economic impact of Ontario power woes.

The loonie finished at US71.06¢, down from US71.23¢ at Wednesday’s close.

The Canadian dollar failed to draw strength from stronger than expected June retail sales figures, as the U.S. currency benefited from a sparkling manufacturing report from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve.