CANADA STOCKS-TSX may rise on oil, eye on banks

TORONTO, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Toronto's main stock index is poised to climb at the open on Thursday as oil prices rose, but quarterly bank results and falling gold prices may offset.

The S&P/TSX composite index .GSPTSE rose on Wednesday for a second straight session.

Below is some of the news that may affect the market.

BANK RESULTS

Bank shares got a boost on Wednesday as Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD.TO) kicked off Canada's bank reporting season with a smaller than expected drop in quarterly profit, a result that boosted both its stock and shares of its peers.[ID:nN25325226]

First-quarter bank results are expected to once again be a large influence on the index on Thursday with Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO), National Bank of Canada (NA.TO) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM.TO) due to report quarterly results.

* See also: RBC profit falls 15 pct [ID:nN26538378]

* See also: CIBC results [ID:nWNAB7363]

* See also: UK launches toxic asset insurance for banks [ID:nLQ412152]

OIL ABOVE $43

Oil rose above $43 a barrel after the United Arab Emirates announced deeper cuts in crude supply to Asia for April in a possible signal that OPEC will cut output further at its next meeting in March. [ID:nSIN102835]

* See also: Enerplus Resources Fund (ERF_u.TO) says will most likely convert to dividend-paying corporation [ID:nWNAB7250]

GOLD FALLS

Gold slid in volatile trade to its lowest level in more than a week, but analysts said the fallback could encourage further buying by investors looking for a safe place to park their assets. [ID:nLQ92844]

See also: Gold miners see growth, base metals seek rebound [ID:NN25510781]

TORSTAR RESULTS, CEO STEPS DOWN