CANADA STOCKS-TSX steady after BoC holds rates; all eyes on Fed decision

By Avinash P

Dec 10 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index was flat on Wednesday, with gains in real estate and financials, after the Bank of Canada held interest rates as expected, while attention shifted to the U.S. Federal Reserve's decision later in the day.

Canada's benchmark index was at 31,233.4 points by 10:15 a.m. ET (1515 GMT). The commodity-heavy index is on track for its best year since 2009, boosted by gold mining and material shares, which have driven it to record highs.

The Bank of Canada held rates at 2.25% as expected, with Governor Tiff Macklem pointing to a resilient economy in the face of U.S. trade measures.

"The market is fully expecting the Bank of Canada to remain on the sidelines...for an extended period of time", said Candice Bangsund, vice president and portfolio manager at Fiera Capital, noting that it has been the most aggressive in cutting interest rates over the last 12 months.

Real estate stocks and heavyweight financials added 0.6% after the central bank's decision.

Meanwhile, energy shares led declines, with Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) slipping 1.9%. Gold miners and tech stocks also came under pressure.

The Canadian economy showed resilience with stronger-than-expected annualized GDP growth of 2.6% in the third quarter, alongside employment data revealing the creation of 181,000 new jobs between September and November.

Later in the day, the Fed is expected to continue its easing cycle, with investors closely monitoring the U.S. central bank's monetary policy outlook for indications of future rate cuts. (Reporting by Avinash P and Twesha Dikshit in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)