However the oil situation boosted the energy sector on Canada's main stock index, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index closing at a record high yesterday of 16,751.31 points.
Other key global indices closed lower yesterday and futures were mixed at the time of writing.
Base metals closed lower in London after a fresh batch of data on China's economy largely missed expectations, Bloomberg noted, adding to concerns around demand while also potential bolstering the chances of more measures to shore up growth.
The gold-heavy mining and metal stocks in Toronto gained yesterday, collectively up 0.27%.
West Africa-focused Endeavour Mining (TSX: EDV), one of the producers presenting at this week's Denver Gold Forum, led gold equities with a rise of 4.34%.
The gold price was just above US$1,500 an ounce earlier on the spot market.
Mining equities were lower in lunchtime Australian trade, where BHP (ASX: BHP) was down about 1.5%.
