By Fergal Smith
(Reuters) -Canada's main stock index fell to a two-week low on Thursday, led by declines for industrial and metal mining shares, as recent disappointing earnings from some economically sensitive companies weighed on the market.
The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended down 31.54 points, or 0.1%, at 22,608.03, its lowest closing level since July 11.
"We are being dragged down by two key areas - gold and industrials," said Philip Petursson, chief investment strategist at IG Wealth Management. "You have some economically sensitive companies that are disappointing (on earnings) as of late."
Shares of Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) were down 2%, adding to the decline on Wednesday when the company reported quarterly results that missed estimates.
The company has suspended its freight service through Jasper, Alberta, due to raging wildfires, according to a report in the Globe and Mail.
The industrials group was down 1.1% and materials, which includes metal miners and fertilizer companies, lost 1.2% as gold prices fell.
Boyd Group Services Inc was among the biggest decliners. Its shares were down 8.2%, falling to a seven-week low.
Technology clawed back some of its recent declines, gaining 0.5%, while energy added 0.7% as the price of oil settled 0.9% higher at $78.28 a barrel.
Mullen (NASDAQ:MULN) Group Ltd was a standout, with its shares jumping 9.3% after the logistics provider beat earnings estimates.