TORONTO: Canada’s main stock index jumped to an over three-week high on Thursday, as early data suggested the Omicron variant of the coronavirus was less severe than feared, while gains in industrial shares further lifted the sentiment.

At 9:38 a.m. ET (14:38 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index was up 96.76 points, or 0.46%, at 21,166.81, extending gains for the third consecutive session. Leading gains was industrial sector, up 0.8%, with airlines Bombardier Inc and Air Canada rising over 2% each.