The S&P/TSX Composite inched up to close at 27,317 on Monday, as robust gains in mining stocks more than offset weakness in the energy sector amid renewed optimism over US trade negotiations. US Commerce Secretary Howard?Lutnick’s assertion that Washington and Brussels could finalize an agreement before the August 1st tariff deadline has reinvigorated hopes that Canadian exporters, particularly in metals and agriculture, will encounter fewer barriers in key overseas markets. A concurrent lift in gold prices drove major miners higher, with Agnico Eagle, Wheaton Precious Metals and Barrick Gold each jumping between 2.7% and 3.9%. On the macro front, Statistics Canada reported a 0.4% month-over-month rise in the Industrial Product Price Index and a 2.7% surge in the Raw Materials Price Index for June, fueled by strength in energy inputs and non-ferrous metals, further underpinning resource-sector equities.