Canadian stocks saw a slight gain as concerns of a U.S. government shutdown weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P/TSX Composite Index hit a new high before closing up by 0.17%. Six of 11 sectors posted gains, with industrials leading. Talks in Congress to avoid a shutdown have so far been unsuccessful.

President Trump plans to downsize the federal workforce if a shutdown occurs, potentially affecting critical data flow for economic decisions. New tariffs on various imports from Canada are set to take effect, adding to the trade tensions. Analysts fear a prolonged U.S. shutdown could impact Canada’s economic credibility.

In today’s trading, major gainers included Aecon Group Inc, Stella Jones Inc, and Novagold Res Inc, while losers included Tourmaline Oil Corp and Baytex Energy Corp.

Read more at Nasdaq: Canadian Stocks Close Modestly Higher Despite U.S. Shutdown Concerns