The S&P/TSX Composite fell 0.2% to close at 29,757 on Wednesday after sharp losses among precious metal miners and large financials while markets weighed evolving trade talks. Precious metal names Agnico Eagle, Wheaton Precious, Barrick and Franco-Nevada slid 1.3% to 2.3% as gold gave up earlier gains. The financial sector was also weak with Brookfield down 2.2%. In contrast, base metal miners outperformed with Teck Resources, First Quantum and Ivanhoe Mines up 3.4% to 9.4% as copper rallied and hopes of eased trade frictions boosted sales prospects. Energy producers Canadian Natural Resources, Suncor, Imperial Oil and Cenovus also outperformed, each adding between 0.9% and 3.3% as oil benchmarks extended their recovery. Meanwhile Prime Minister Mark Carney described constructive discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang as both sides signalled a willingness to address recent trade frictions and said talks with the US on remaining issues will feed into a forthcoming USMCA review.