Markets Pause To Assess Downbeat U.S. Jobs Report -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian markets are taking a close look Friday morning at a slightly disappointing U.S. jobs report that may quiet calls for an imminent rate hike.

The U.S. added 156,000 jobs in September, while the unemployment rate rose to 5% from 4.9%, the government said just now.

Meanwhile, Canadian employment rose by 67,000 jobs in September.

On Thursday, the S&P/TSX was down 15 points at 14,595.

In corporate news, Agrium Inc. (AGU.TO, AGU) and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (POT.TO, POT) shareholders will hold separate meetings next month to vote on a merger agreement.

Agrium shareholders will meet in Calgary, Alberta on Nov. 3, while Potash investors meet the same day in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Canexus (CUS.TO) appointed David Collyer as board chair, and will have a special committee evaluate and respond to Chemtrade's hostile takeover bid.

WTI crude oil futures were clinging to $50 a barrel after the US jobs report. Gold was up $3 at $1255 an ounce, trimming steep recent losses.