TORONTO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Canada's main stock index rose little Monday as growth in health-care stocks overcame slight loss in the oil sector.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's benchmark Standard & Poor's/TSX Composite Index edged up 26.98 points, or 0.17 percent, to close the day at 15,604.79.
The Canadian dollar gave back 0.13 cents to 0.77.92 U.S. dollar.
Health-care stocks were the most positive, with Valeant Pharmeuticals rising 2.7 percvent to 20.28 Canadian dollars while Aphria Inc. rose 2.6 percent to 14.35 Canadian dollars.
Barrick Gold was among the biggest gains, up three percent to 15.59 Canadian dollars.
Canadian Natural Resources fell 0.7 percent to 38.63 Canadian dollars.
Shares of Bombardier Inc fell 1.1 percent to 3.71 Canadian dollars after one of its Q400 planes crashed in Nepal.
First Quantum Minerals vaulted 3.5 percent to 20.99 Canadian dollars while Agnico Eagle Mines grew 1.2 percent to 50.61 Canadian dollars.
