TSX futures rise as US delays decision on direct Mideast involvement
June 20 (Reuters) - Futures linked to Canada's main stock index edged higher on Friday as the threat regarding U.S. military involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict appeared to have been forestalled for now.
September futures on the S&P/TSX index were up 0.2% at 07:00 a.m. ET (11:00 GMT).
The White House said on Thursday President Donald Trump will decide on whether to join Israel in the war in the next two weeks.
Diplomatic efforts are also underway, with the UK, French and German delegates scheduled to meet Iranian officials in Geneva later in the day.
In other major developments, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday Canada could increase counter tariffs on U.S.-produced steel and aluminum if he does not reach a broader trade deal with Trump within 30 days.
Earlier this week, Trump and Carney agreed to make a deal in 30 days that could possibly resolve a trade conflict triggered by U.S. tariffs and the subsequent Canadian counter duties.
Investors now await Canadian retail sales data for April, due at 8:30 AM ET, to assess whether consumer spending has been resilient in the face of tariff uncertainty.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index (.GSPTSE), opens new tab edged lower on Thursday, as the Middle East conflict kept risk appetite in check.
The commodity-heavy index, however, was poised for a fourth consecutive weekly rise as heightened tensions in the oil-rich Middle East boosted crude prices and kept safe-haven bullion in demand.
Oil prices , retreated on Friday but stayed on track for a third straight weekly advance, while gold dipped and copper fell for the fourth consecutive session.
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