Bay Street Steady Despite Weak Metals -- Canadian Commentary

(RTTNews) - Canadian stocks were little changed Friday afternoon, after big losses earlier in the week.

Markets have been skittish since China's surprise currency devaluation raised concerns for Canadian exporters.

Metal stocks continued to struggle today, but gauges of most other sectors are in the green.

The S&P/TSX composite index was up 25 points at 14,263.71, having slipped to a multi-week low in the previous session.

The Diversified Metals and Mining Index was down another 2 percent.

Aimia Inc. (AIM.TO) reported Friday its second-quarter net earnings of C$32.6 million, compared to last year's loss of C$18.8 million. Earnings per share were C$0.17, compared to loss of C$0.14 a year ago. The stock plunged 6.5 percent.

Ag Growth International Inc. (AFN.TO) Friday said its second-quarter profit declined to C$8.17 million from C$13.64 million in the previous year. Earnings per share dropped to C$0.58 from C$0.99. Shares slipped 3.1 percent.

Statistics Canada reported manufacturing sales rose 1.2 percent to $50.8 billion in June.