By Adriano Marchese

Toronto stocks were virtually flat to start the week, though most sectors were trending higher in the session.

Gains largely in commercial services, consumer discretionary and retail on Monday were offset primarily by losses in health tech, materials and health services stocks.

Canada's S&P/TSX Composite Index remained virtually unchanged at 27896.76 and the blue-chip S&P/TSX 60 fell by 0,1% to 1653.69.

Housing starts in Canada were stronger than expected in July, rising 3.7%, which extended a strong run for construction this year.

Foreign investors added modestly to their holdings of Canadian securities in June by a net 709 million Canadian dollars ($513 million). Canadian investors, on the other hand, picked up U.S. shares and non-U.S. bonds during the month.

Air Canada withdrew its financial targets for the year as the strike by its flight attendants forced the country's largest airline to keep flights grounded. Shares fell 1% to C$19.53 ($14.13).

Other market movers:

Canopy Growth shares rose by 5.6% to C$1.90 after the Canadian cannabis company said that it has appointed two new candidates to chief financial and operating officers of its U.S. subsidiary, Canopy USA, as it doubles down its focus on growth in the country.

Trading on the TSX Venture, High Tide shares were higher by 12% to C$4.12 after the company said it expects a better performance in the third quarter, above Wall Street forecasts, thanks to stronger sales.

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

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 18, 2025 12:21 ET (16:21 GMT)

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