September futures on the S&P/TSX index were up 0.2% at 7:04 a.m. ET (1104 GMT).
Oil prices inched up after China's central bank sought to stem the rising tide of pessimism over the country's property market and the wider economy. [O/R]
Copper prices snapped back after touching their lowest level in 2-1/2 months, tracking a recovery in the currency of top metals consumer China after support measures. [MET/L]
Data on foreign investment in Canadian securities is due at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Investment in Canada's financial technology sector was reduced to less than half in the first six months of 2023 from last year, according to a report from accounting firm KPMG.
U.S. Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes on Wednesday showed "most" policymakers continued to prioritize the battle against inflation, with "some participants" citing the risks to the economy of pushing interest rates too far.
Wall Street futures also edged higher on Thursday. [.N]
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended down 0.72 points at 19,899.07, its lowest closing level since July 11 on Wednesday.
The volatility in commodity prices has capped gains in the underlying index, which is up 2.6% year-to-date versus a 14% rise in S&P 500 so far this year.
Among company news, India's JSW Steel Ltd is considering picking up a 75% interest in Teck Resources' steelmaking coal business Elk Valley Resources, according to a Bloomberg report.
COMMODITIES AT 7:04 a.m. ET
Gold futures: $1,900; 0.0% [GOL/]
US crude: $80.03; +0.8% [O/R]
Brent crude: $84.16; +0.9% [O/R]
($1= C$1.3507)
(Reporting by Siddarth S in Bengaluru; Editing by Shweta Agarwal)
