TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, March 18

The TSX Composite benchmark reached its highest-ever closing levels on Thursday.

| More on:
TSX Today

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Stocks in Canada continued to soar on Thursday, as investors continued to react to the latest Federal Reserve statement and policy move. Also, a sharp intraday recovery in commodity prices across the board helped energy and metals mining shares inch up. As a result, the TSX Composite Index ended the session with solid 302-point, or 1.4%, gain at 21,771 — its highest-ever closing level. Apart from commodity-related stocks, sectors like technology and healthcare led the market rally.

With this, the main Canadian market index is now trading with more than 3% gains in March so far.

Top TSX movers and active stocks

The shares of Lightspeed Commerce, Energy Fuels (TSX:EFR)(NASDAQ:CLNE), Denison Mines, and Cameco were among the top-performing stocks on the TSX, as they inched up by at least 9% each.

Yesterday, the New York-based equity research and investment firm H.C. Wainwright raised its target price on Energy Fuels stock which seemingly boosted investors’ confidence. Interestingly, the recent supply issues have driven a rally in uranium prices. Surging uranium prices could be another factor supporting the rally in EFR stock, as they are likely to boost the company’s profitability. Year to date, the stock has now risen by 24%.

While no TSX Composite components saw a big decline on Thursday, Premium Brands Holdings and Descartes Systems were the worst-performing stocks on the benchmark, with around 2% losses each.

Based on their daily trade volume, Cenovus Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, and Suncor Energy were the most active stocks on the exchange.

TSX today

Early Friday morning, most commodities were trading on a mixed note, which could likely keep TSX stocks flat at the open today. While investors could continue digesting the recent monetary policy moves, Canada’s latest retail sales and the U.S. existing home sales data will also remain in focus this morning. Also, any big update related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could heighten the market volatility in the near term.

Should you invest $1,000 in Clean Energy Fuels Corp. right now?

Before you buy stock in Clean Energy Fuels Corp., consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Clean Energy Fuels Corp. wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool recommends CDN NATURAL RES and Lightspeed Commerce. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

man touches brain to show a good idea
Metals and Mining Stocks

Tariff Troubles: How Canadian Investors Can Weather the Storm

This market is going bananas over tariffs, but there's one area of the market that can still protect your investments.

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Best Stocks to Invest $1,000 in Right Now

Investing in undervalued TSX stocks such as New Gold should you deliver outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Metals and Mining Stocks

Trump Tariffs Send Copper Prices Skyward: Are Canadian Copper Stocks a Buy Now?

Here’s why Trump’s new auto tariffs are sending copper prices soaring and putting Canadian copper stocks in the spotlight.

Read more »

A worker wears a hard hat outside a mining operation.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Materials Stock: Nutrien vs Mattr?

Nutrien stock still looks like a strong, long-term buy, but so does Mattr. So, which comes out on top?

Read more »

nugget gold
Stocks for Beginners

Precious Metals Are a Hot Commodity Under Trump Tariffs: 2 TSX Stocks to Consider

Gold is looking like a shiny opportunity for investors right now, so should you dive in?

Read more »

Safety helmets and gloves hang from a rack on a mining site.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Mining Stock: First Quantum vs Teck Resources?

Teck Resources boasts the strongest balance sheet in its industry, while First Quantum is dealing with a major blow to…

Read more »

Super sized rock trucks take a load of platinum rich rock into the crusher.
Metals and Mining Stocks

What to Know About Canadian Gold Mining Stocks for 2025

The TSX has the greatest number of mining companies, and two outperforming gold stocks are the top buys in 2025.

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

The decision whether to buy, sell, or hold Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) can vary with each investor. Here's a case for…

Read more »