Toronto index falls

TORONTO: Canada’s main stock index fell on Monday, weighed down by energy stocks as crude prices fell after Ukraine hinted at possible concessions to Russia that could ease tensions between the two countries.

At 9:43 a.m. ET (14:43 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was down 143.28 points, or 0.66%, at 21,405.56 and was on track for its worst session in over a week.

“We’re definitely setting up for a volatile week. Markets are swinging back and forth depending on Russian headlines, taking people into more defensive position,” said Gregory Taylor, portfolio manager at Purpose Investments.

The energy sector dropped 1.0% as US crude prices fell 0.7% a barrel, while Brent crude lost 0.8%.