The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Canada's main stock index edged higher, with investors betting that the market will benefit from receiving greater clarity on the nation's economic policies after the outcome of Monday's vote is known. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe says the S&P/TSX Composite Index ended up 88.08 points at 24,798.59, closing above its 2024 year-end level for the first time since April 2 amid recent hopes of a cooling in the global trade war. The ruling Liberal Party is expected to win the most seats in a general election but the main opposition Conservative Party has closed the gap in recent days, the latest polls show. Regardless who wins, Canada stands to elect a more business-friendly government than has been the case in recent years after both main parties proposed sweeping changes to boost economic growth. Financials, technology and energy all gained. Energy was up even as the price of oil settled 1.5 per cent lower at $62.05 (U.S.) a barrel on lingering demand concerns. The price of gold increased 1 per cent. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 closed a choppy session nearly unchanged, weighed down by megacaps that also kept the Nasdaq Composite Index in negative territory.