Bay Street Ends Week With A Whimper -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks pulled back Friday, ending another positive week on a somewhat downbeat note.

Modest gains among energy stocks could not offset significant weakness among miners and health care stocks.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index dropped 48.61 points, or 0.33 percent, to 14,747.45, moving away from recent yearly highs.

Sept. WTI oil settled at $44.49/bbl on Nymex, up $1, or 2.3%. WTI oil futures gained 6.4% for the week.

Drug maker Valeant (VRX.TO) was able to steady after big losses yesterday were brought on by news that US authorities are investigating an allegations of impropriaty as a criminal matter.

Amaya (AYA.TO AYA.O) says discussions with some suitors about a possible takeover offer have progressed.

The online gambling company beat analysts' second-quarter profit and revenue expectations. Still, shares were down 1.4 percent.

Grocery chain (MRU.TO) says its net profit was up eight percent from last year to $176.5 million or 72 cents per share. The stock dropped 4.1 percent.