Stocks’ Progress Slows Down by Noon Canada''s main stock index jumped to a near two-week high on Tuesday as resources-linked shares gained, while easing COVID-19 restrictions in China raised hopes for stronger global growth. The SP|TSX came off its highs of the morning, but still gained 143.86 points midday Tuesday to 19,402.18. The Canadian dollar tailed off 0.04 cents to 77.65 cents U.S. Energy stocks proved the strongest, as Paramount Resources powered ahead $2.39, or 7.8%, to $33.22, while Secure Energy Services gathered 43 cents, or 7.4%, to $6.23. Real-estate concerns also moved upward, with Colliers International Group jumping $3.62, or 2.6%, to $142.79, while First Capital REIT units added 26 cents, or 1.8%, to $15.10. Losses in gold put a brake on things, as Kinross faltered 19 cents, or 3.6%, to $5.08, while Wesdome Gold lost 47 cents, or 3.8%, to $11.97. ON BAYSTREET The TSX Venture Exchange slid 2.14 points to 650.22. All but two of the 12 TSX subgroups made gains, led by energy, up 3.8%, real-estate, progressing 1.1%, and financial stocks, picking up 0.8%.