Futures tracking Canada’s main stock index rose on Friday, starting 2026 on a firm footing as higher gold prices supported mining shares. Gold rebounded nearly 2%, boosted by geopolitical tensions and renewed US rate-cut expectations, improving sentiment toward bullion-linked stocks. Meanwhile, crude oil prices edged lower, weighing on energy producers. In other news, Capstone Copper said a union representing about half the workers at its Mantoverde copper and gold mine in Chile, or roughly 22% of its total workforce, will begin a strike on Friday. Also, investors are awaiting the release of S&P Global manufacturing PMI data.