Stocks in Toronto fared better than they did in the U.S., today, finishing on a positive note. The Toronto Stock Exchange 300 composite index closed up 17.15 points, or 0.25%, at 6,908.00.

The morning didnÕt start so well. It was the lowest opening in almost two years. In total, the TSE 300 has lost a total of 436.7 points since last Monday’s close of 7,344.70. Even with todayÕs gain, thatÕs a 6% drop during the past week.

Nine of the TSE’s 14 sub-indexes finished the day higher. The consumer products group led the gains. That sector finished up 2.58%, led by drug-maker Biovail Corp. which rose $7 to C$54.50. The technology-shares sector added 1.2%.

Electronics manufacturer, Celestica, added $1.50 to $40, while Nortel Networks remained flat at $7.80. Open Text Corp. climbed $1.76 to $31.76. Research In Motion added $2.06 to $23.22.

Airlines and insurance issues continue to take the heat of last weeks disaster. Virgin Airways announced today that it will discontinue service to Toronto and Chicago, later this fall, cutting 1,200 jobs.

In the U.S., on the first day of trading since the World Trade Center disaster, the blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average fell 679.00 points, or 7.07%, to 8,920.70. The NASDAQ composite index dropped116.09 points, or 6.85%, to 1599.28.

Hoping to boost the U.S. economy, congressional leaders say they are working on an economic stimulus package. It could include business tax breaks and possibly a capital gains tax cut.

Economists will be asked by congress about options for short-term, intermediate and long-term economic growth. Lawmakers and analysts have expressed worry that the crisis could push a sluggish economy into recession. An economic package could include help for specific industries hurt by the crisis. For example, up to $15 billion in financial aid for the airline industry could be in the works.

Here in Canada, the countryÕs largest airline, Air Canada, says it has approached the federal government for help. Ottawa says it has opened up talks with smaller airlines, too. Industry representatives are lobbying the federal government to save jobs.

“Air Canada and other airlines in North America and around the world have had a very trying situation before the events of Sept. 11 and we have to assess the situation as to how it’s impacted upon them,” says Transport Minister David Collenette.

Even trading of the Canadian dollar, today, left the loonie in a slightly lower position. It finished the day at US$0.636.