By Adriano Marchese

Toronto stocks were about flat Friday mid-session, with a broad-based pull downward from most sectors. Process industries, health-tech and communications stocks were among the main laggards, while strong gains in materials stocks helped offset the worst of the losses. Health-services and retail stocks were also ahead.

On the broader economic front, Canadians spending continues to defy broader worries about the economy, rising 0.5% in April, building on a recovery in March when outlays on cars jumped.

Canada's S&P/TSX Composite Index remained virtually unchanged at 25854.44 and the blue-chip S&P/TSX 60 edged 0.1% lower to 1548.74.

Uranium producers in Canada rose sharply after a report suggested President Trump will sign an executive order that could create more supply of nuclear power and drive demand for uranium. Energy Fuels, NexGen Energy, Denison Mines, enCore Energy, and Cameco are among the biggest winners.

Energy Fuels rose 14% to 7.15 Canadian dollars. Cameco shares were 8.7% higher at C$79.54. enCore Energy shares were 19% higher at C$2.65 on the TSX Venture Exchange. NexGen Energy rose 11% to C$8.36. Denison Mines advanced 11% to C$2.29.

Other market movers:

Shares in Vermilion Energy fell 2.2% to C$8.66 after the company said it agreed to sell its oil-producing assets in Saskatchewan and Manitoba for C$415 million to focus more on Western Canada and Europe.

Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 23, 2025 12:18 ET (16:18 GMT)

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