Canadian Stocks End Week With A Thud -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks ended the week on downbeat note Friday, erasing yesterday's gains amid widespread weakness across most sectors.

The S&P TSX Composite Index was down 55 points to 15506.71, with energy stocks extending recent losses.

In economic news, Statistics Canada reported manufacturing sales in January above expectations, climbing 0.6 percent to $53.8 billion, helped by gasoline sales.

Crude oil prices were flat today near $49 a barrel, but energy stocks were off fractionally.

Onex Corp. (ONEX.TO) and its affiliates said Friday that they agreed to sell USI Insurance Services to an affiliate of KKR & Co. L.P. (KKR) and CDPQ for an enterprise value of US$4.3 billion.

Canada Goose (GOOS.TO) shares jumped another 7.5 percent, adding to yesterday's blockbuster debut.