Canadian Stocks End Week On Upbeat Note -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks rose Friday, holding near record highs despite a rough week in the oil markets.

Crude oil prices dropped 1.5 percent this week, dragging energy stocks lower. However, optimism across most other sectors kept Bay Street in a good mood.

The Bank of Canada mid-week hinted that interest rates will remain on hold for the first half of the year due to NAFTA concerns.

The TSX Composite Index was up 67.41 points to 16,351.88 at last check.

Protesters had demonstrations at several Tim Hortons locations across Canada after some franchise owners in Ontario slashed workers' benefits.

They have urged Tim Hortons' parent company, Restaurant Brands International Inc. (QSR, QSR.TO), to take steps to reverse the cuts.

Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP.TO) announced earnings for its fourth quarter that increased compared to the same period last year.

The company said its bottom line rose to C$469 million, or C$3.22 per share. This was higher than C$448 million, or C$3.04 per share, in last year's fourth quarter. Shares rose more than 2% today.

Canopy Growth (WEED.TO) is raising $175 million in a bought deal financing co-led by BMO, the marijuana company said. WEED shares rose 1.4%