The Toronto Stock Exchange ended on a high note, extending its winning streak to eight sessions.

Canada's benchmark S&P/TSX composite index rose 14.45 points, or 0.12%, to 11,709.29. The Venture composite index rose 8.22 points, or 0.54%, to 1,531.90.

"While credit markets have improved sufficiently for the Fed to unwind its emergency lending support, the benign inflation picture suggests no reason to tighten policy rates for an extended period", said BMO Economist Sal Guatieri.

The removal of emergency measures and preparation for rate hikes indicates a sign that the U. S. economy is getting back on its feet, said Colin Cieszynski, Market Analyst with CMC Markets Canada. Energy stocks were top performers.

The price of oil rose on the New York Mercantile Exchange to US$79.81 a barrel, up US75¢; gold raised US$3.40, to US$1,122.10 an ounce. Birchcliff Energy rose 5.16%, to $9.99. Cenovus Energy Inc. gained 3.31%, to $27.48.

The composite of leading economic indicator, a measure of future performance, rose 0.9%.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index was up 4.18 points at 11,699.02 after opening slightly lower.