TORONTO, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The Toronto Stock Exchange's main index is set to rise as investors look to start a new month on better footing after October's dismal performance.
However, the resource-rich Toronto index may come under pressure with commodity prices on the decline.
Toronto's index logged its biggest monthly drop in nearly a decade in October.
Appetite seemed to be returning as global stocks kicked off November with gains against a background of easier monetary policy designed to pull economies away from severe recession.

Here is some of the news that could affect the market.

OIL NEAR $67, METALS FALL
Oil drifted lower towards $67 a barrel as traders shifted their focus back to slowing global energy demand linked to the financial crisis, while metals fell as market recession woes persisted.

Tahera Diamond Corp, under creditor protection, said its plan sponsorship agreement has been terminated with a privately held company because conditions had not been satisfied. Tahera said it is reassessing its options.

National Bank said 2009 will be worse for Manitoba Telecom Services than most because the regional communications firm's exposure to large business customers. National Bank cut the price target and lowered MTS to underperform from sector perform.
For a summary of rating and price target changes on Canadian companies, double click

SEEKING SIGNS OF U.S. DIRECTION FROM ELECTION
Canadian investors to look for signs that a new U.S. president will help steer markets clear of the financial crisis threatening the global economy. Some analysts forecast the index will rise the day after a new U.S. leader is elected, no matter the winner. Democrat Barack Obama heads into Tuesday's voting ahead in the polls over Republican John McCain.

Silver Wheaton, which buys silver produced by several miners and resells it, said its quarterly profit rose 5.5 percent.

Home Capital Group posted a 22 percent increase in quartelry profit, helped by the strong performance of its core mortgage lending business, and said it will meet or exceed its targets for 2008.

The global credit crunch threatens growth in the world's major economies, and tighter financial regulations are needed to avoid future crises, Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said in an interview with Reuters on Friday. He meets with provincial and territorial counterparts on Monday.

($1=$1.20 Canadian)

(Reporting by Ka Yan Ng; Editing by Tom Hals) Keywords: MARKETS CANADA STOCKS (kayan.ng@reuters.com; Reuters Messaging: kayan.ng.reuters.com@reuters.net; 1-416-941-8109)

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