Around the World's Markets: Toronto

THE TSE 300 index eased higher after the Bank of Canada followed Tuesday's move by the US Fed and cut its bank rate by 0.25 percentage points. The Bank said: "With the support that this move by the Federal Reserve provides, and given low and stable inflation in Canada, a 0.25 percentage point decline in short-term interest rates was appropriate."

At lunch-time in Toronto, the TSE 300 index was up 9.02 points at 6346.80. Canada's benchmark 30-year bond rose C$0.91 to C$135.87.