The TSX gained 83.16 points, to close Wednesday at 25,488.30
December futures gained 0.1% Thursday.
The Canadian dollar improved 0.09 cents to 71.39 cents U.S.
Ahead of the Bank of Canada's rate-setting meeting on Dec. 11, on Friday investors will take note of a reading from third-quarter annualized gross domestic product data, which is expected to miss the central bank's estimate.
Traders widely expect a 25-basis-point interest rate cut next month. The central bank has already cut its key interest rate four times in a row this year to spur growth.
In corporate news, technologies supplier for diecasting, extrusion and automotive industries Exco Technologies missed fourth-quarter sales estimates on Wednesday.
On matters macroeconomic, Statistics Canada says payroll numbers fell by 57,400 (-0.3%) in September, following little change in August and an increase of 39,500 (+0.2%) in July. On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment was up 94,900 (+0.5%) in September.
ON BAYSTREET
The TSX Venture Exchange climbed 8.13 points, or 1.4%, to end Wednesday 607.91.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 0.6% Thursday, while in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng fell 1.2%.
Oil prices gained 34 cents to $69.06 U.S. a barrel.
Gold prices hiked $4.20 to $2,644.10 U.S. an ounce.
ON WALLSTREET
American markets are closed for Thanksgiving, but will return Friday for a partial session.
