Futures tracking Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite Index rose on Thursday, supported by gains in oil and gold prices. Oil climbed following sanctions on Russian energy giants, supporting the energy sector after Wednesday’s gains. Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor Energy, and Imperial Oil are expected to extend advances. In corporate news, Precision Drilling swung to a quarterly net loss due to higher US tax expenses. Gold rebounded as geopolitical tensions escalated after new US sanctions on Russia and potential export controls on China, boosting safe-haven demand. That lifted optimism for Canada’s mining-heavy index, particularly for gold majors Agnico Eagle and Barrick. Retail sales data due today are forecast to show a 1% rise in August, which could support retailers such as Alimentation Couche-Tard, Dollarama, and Loblaw. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney said his first budget will reduce reliance on the US and curb wasteful spending, fueling optimism.