TSX Rises But Gold Stocks Tumble -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks rallied Monday, but significant weakness among gold producers kept gains in check. Risk appetite returned to markets as a centrist emerged as the favorite to win the French presidential election.

The TSX Composite rose 97.98 points, or 0.63 percent, to 15,712.46.

Crude oil prices slumped back below $50 a barrel, so energy stocks were flat. Gold stocks tumbled 2.1 percent as gold prices dropped to monthly lows.

Under scrutinuy for allegedly bad financial statements, Home Capital (HCG.TO) says chief financial officer Robert Morton will be assigned new responsibilities after first-quarter results are filed next month. Shares fell 9 percent.

Cenovus (CVE.TO) says it is open to selling some natural gas assets it recently acquired from ConocoPhillips. Shares were flat.

Inter Pipeline (IPL.TO) admitted to being the source of a leak that was contained on Friday. Shares were up fractionally.