Canadian and US stock markets rise, oil prices fall

Canada's S&P/TSX composite index rose over 500 points, and U.S. stock markets also advanced in late-morning trading, driven by strength in base metal, financial, and industrial sectors. Concurrently, the December crude oil contract fell by US$2.75 to US$88.08 per barrel, while the December gold contract increased by US$60.30 to US$4,135.20 an ounce.