Gold Stocks Drag TSX Lower In Thin Trade -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks were slightly lower Tuesday, surrendering early gains in thin trade after the Canada Day break.

With U.S. markets closed today, Bay Street was relatively quiet on a sunny Fourth of July.

The TSX Composite was down 51.58 points, or 0.34 percent, to 15,130.61. Gold stocks were hammered as gold prices fell sharply in anticipation interest rate hikes in the U.S. and Canada.

New Look Vision Group Inc. (BCI.TO) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Quebec's Iris, which will operate as a stand-alone business unit.

Secure Energy Services (SES.TO) entered into new credit facilities totaling $600 million.

SNC-Lavalin Group (SNC.TO) has announced that it has completed its $3.6 billion acquisition of WS Atkins plc. Shares rose 1.5 percent.