Stock May Struggle To Snap Out Of Funk -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks may struggle Friday, and are set for a weekly loss amid lower crude oil prices.

Dec. WTI light sweet crude oil was down 41 cents at $49.31 a barrel. Prices fell this week amid lingering doubts about whether OPEC will go through with a planned output cut.

Economic activity in the U.S. increased by more than expected in the third quarter, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Friday.

Stocks snapped a 3-day losing skid Thursday. The S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 26 points, or 0.18 percent, to 14,833.75.

China may buy a stake in Barrick Gold (ABX.TO) operations in Argentina, according to reports.

Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) said Darryl White appointed chief operating officer, replacing Frank Techar who becomes vice-chair.

Imperial Oil Ltd (IMO.TO) announced earnings for its third quarter that rose sharply from last year. Revenue for the quarter rose 3.9% to C$7.44 billion.

Brookfield Business Partners (BBU, BBU_U.TO) has acquired a 70% controlling stake in Odebrecht Ambiental, Brazil's largest private water distribution, collection and treatment company.