CANADA STOCKS-?TSX futures steady as investors weigh Fed rate cut prospects

Nov 24 (Reuters) - Futures linked to Canada's main stock index held steady on Monday as investors weighed growing odds of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut in December, while declining oil prices put pressure on the commodity-heavy market.

December futures on the S&P/TSX index were flat at 1782.2 points as of 06:20 a.m. ET.

The S&P/TSX composite index gained 0.9% on Friday, nearly erasing most of its weekly losses following a volatile period marked by a global selloff in AI and technology stocks amid concerns over stretched valuations and ambitious spending.

The gains followed comments from Fed policymaker John Williams, who stated on Friday that interest rates could fall "in the near term," boosting expectations for a rate cut at the Fed's December meeting.

Markets now await potential catalysts, including U.S. retail sales and producer prices data due later this week. Domestic investors will also be monitoring Canadian GDP data for the third quarter, due on Friday.

Putting downward pressure on futures, oil prices continued their decline from the previous week as prospects of a Ukraine peace deal could lead to an easing of sanctions on major producer Russia.

Meanwhile, gold prices were little changed as growing expectations of a Fed rate cut offset pressure from a firm U.S. dollar.

Among other developments, the Indian government said it has agreed with Canada to restart stalled talks for a new trade deal after a break of two years following a diplomatic tussle.

In corporate news, Barrick Mining (B) and Mali's government have reached a verbal agreement in principle to settle a dispute over the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

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Canadian markets directory (By Avinash P in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)