More Recent Highs Achieved by TSX

The TSX Composite gained 76.45 points to begin trading on Thursday at 20,358.71.

The Canadian dollar nosed up 0.06 cents to 75.02 cents U.S.

Techs were proving to be the big man on the block, with Sylogist Ltd. piling on 18 cents, or 3.7%, to $4.99, while Payfare advanced 14 cents, or 3.4%, to $4.32.

Industrials were close behind, with ATS Automation up $1.67, or 4%, to $43.69, while Finning International soared 38 cents, or 1.2%, to $32.49.

On the economic calendar, Statistics Canada says the number of employees receiving pay or benefits from their employer—referred to as "payroll employees" in the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours—rose by 85,300 (+0.5%) in September.

Oil prices sank 22 cents to $77.72 U.S. a barrel.

Gold prices soared $12.10 to $1,757.70 U.S. an ounce.

ON BAYSTREET

The TSX Venture Exchange grabbed 2.49 points to begin Thursday at to 579.24.

ON WALLSTREET

U.S. markets are closed for Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving, Uncle Sam!