US private payroll figures from ADP yesterday showed job cuts of 2.76 million last month, well below forecasts of about 9 million.
The Nasdaq, S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have rebounded sharply from March lows, hit as coronavirus-related lockdowns shocked the stock market, and are now 1.4%, 7.8% and 11.1%, respectively, away from overtaking all-time closing highs set in February, Reuters reported.
Gold dipped below US$1,700 an ounce earlier but was worth $1,701.50/oz at the time of writing.
Star Diamond Corp (TSX: DIAM) closed up 16.3% as it provided an update on legal action, saying its injunction application against Rio Tinto Exploration Canada was set to be heard in Saskatchewan on June 29 and 30.
It had sought the injunction as part of legal proceedings regarding Rio's purported exercise of four options under a 2017 agreement over Star's Project FalCon, which could produce up to 66 million carats according to a 2018 preliminary economic assessment.
Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO) closed 1.7% higher in London.
Precious metals producer Fresnillo (LSE: FRES) continued to slide, down 5.9%, while in New York Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) closed 4% higher as it published its annual sustainability report and inaugural climate report.
