CANADA STOCKS-TSX could open down as swine flu rattles sentiment

TORONTO, April 27 (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock index
could open lower on Monday after a 7-week rally given concerns
about a possible global swine flu outbreak.
The resource-heavy index may get hit hardest by its energy
shares as the price of oil dropped partly on concerns that the
world economy could struggle to get out of a recession if a
swine flu outbreak in Mexico turns out to be the start of a
global pandemic.
Shares of energy companies make up about 22 percent of the
overall index and often lead the TSX up or down.
The S&P/TSX composite index <.GSPTSE> is coming off a
session where it rallied to its highest level in more than five
months and scored its seventh straight week of gains.
Here is some of the news that may affect the index:

WORLD FLU EPIDEMIC FEAR RISES, MEXICANS TAKE REFUGE
Fears of a global swine flu pandemic grew with new
infections in the United States and Canada on Sunday, and
millions of Mexicans stayed indoors to avoid a virus that has
killed 103 people. [nN26482522]

OIL FALLS BELOW $50, FLU PANDEMIC MAY HURT ECONOMY
Oil prices fell more than 4 percent to below $50 a barrel
on Monday, pressured partly by expectations the world economy
could suffer another blow if a flu outbreak in Mexico turns out
to be the start of a pandemic. [nSYD459691]

GOLD HITS 4-WEEK HIGH AS FLU FEARS SPOOK MARKETS
Gold steadied in Europe on Monday after rising to a
four-week high earlier in the session as equities fell on
concerns over the prospect of a global flu pandemic, which
boosted interest in bullion as a haven. [nLR139073]

JEAN COUTU LOSS WIDENS ON RITE AID
Jean Coutu Group reported a wider quarterly loss
on Monday as it absorbed losses from its stake in U.S. pharmacy
Rite Aid Corp . [nN27512598]

GERMAN FOREIGN MIN HAS "POSITIVE" VIEW OF MAGNA
Germany's Foreign Minister has gained a "positive
impression" of Austrian-Canadian auto parts supplier Magna
after holding talks with the potential investor in
General Motors Corp's unit Opel, his ministry said on
Monday. [nLR431725]

CANADIAN RESEARCH: CAMECO, SHERRITT, MAPLE LEAF FOODS
Following is a list of research on Canadian-listed
companies. For more, please see [RCH/CA].
* RBC raises Sherritt International to "outperform"
rating from "sector perform"
* RBC cuts Maple Leaf Foods price target 10
percent to C$9 from C$10 with "sector perform" rating.
* RBC raises Cameco Corp price target 20 percent
to C$30 from C$25 with "outperform" rating.
($1=$1.22 Canadian)
(Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Theodore d'Afflisio)
((frank.pingue@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 416 941-8094; Reuters
Messaging: frank.pingue.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Keywords: MARKETS CANADA STOCKS

Keywords: MARKETS CANADA STOCKS

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