TSX In Rally Mode -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks rose Monday as traders weighed merger news from the marijuana weed sector.

Also, crude oil prices were slightly higher, edging back toward last week's 4-year peak.

OPEC predicted strong demand from crude oil for the next year, helping fuel crude's modest rally.

The cartel downplayed the impact of the U.S. shale boom, but warned about U.S. trade squabbles.

"So far the impact on the global economy has been minor and negligible, but the build-up of potentially disruptive concerns has increased," OPEC said.

June WTI oil gained 26 cents, or 0.4%, to settle at $70.96/bbl.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB.TO) has acquired smaller rival MedReleaf Corp. (LEAF.TO) for C$3.2 billion. Aurora recently acquired CanniMed and is poised to be the world's largest marijuana company.

Brookfield Asset Management (BAM.TO) made a $3.3 billion approach for Australian hospital group Healthscope, according to reports.

Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) has acquired a stake in the "Peanuts" brand, created by Charles M. Schulz, from DHX Media. DHX is trying to pay down debt.

WestJet (WJA.TO) is promising full refunds on flights cancelled by an imminent pilot strike.