Futures tracking the S&P/TSX Composite Index moved higher on Friday after the release of Canadian employment data and a key US jobs report. Canada's unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point to 6.4%, slightly below forecasts of 6.5%, while employment increased by 75,000, well above expectations for a 15,000 gain. In the US, the economy unexpectedly shed 23,000 jobs, compared with forecasts for an 80,000 increase. The strong Canadian labor backdrop and softer US employment conditions limited risks of a hawkish Fed while strengthening the cast for a potential hike by the BoC, should energy prices remain higher. Meanwhile, oil prices were volatile as markets assessed Iran-Oman negotiations, easing energy inflation concerns and supporting financial stocks and the broader index. Gold prices also rose as expectations of US rate hikes receded, boosting mining stocks.