Canadian Stocks Steady But Slightly Lower -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks failed to rally Tuesday morning as skittish investors remained concerned about global growth prospects.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was down 10 points 13,476.12 in early dealing, having given up all of its 2014 gains.

Base metal miners managed modest gains, with the Diversified Metals and Mining Index creeping up 0.4 percent.

Energy stocks also moved ahead, following the price of US crude oil slightly higher. Telecom, consumer staples and tech stocks were again a bit weaker.

In news from the oil patch, Suncor Energy (SU.TO) has hiked its dividend by 15 percent to 23 cents per share, its second dividend boost in less than a year.

Quarterly operating earnings missed analyst estimates. Suncor shares were down 1.6 percent.

Teck (TCK.B.TO) said it was investigating a spill at its Trail smelting complex in British Columbia. The chemical is expected to have little environmental impact, according to the Vancouver Sun. Shares were up 0.6 percent.

WestJet Airlines Ltd. (WJA.TO) reported that its fourth-quarter net earnings increased to C$67.8 million or C$0.52 per share, from C$60.9 million or C$0.46 per share, prior year. Analysts expected the company to report profit per share of C$0.52 for the quarter. The stock added 1.4 percent.