(RTTNews) – Toronto stocks opened lower Tuesday amid falling commodities prices, with the S&P/TSX Composite Index losing 103.27 points or 0.74 percent to 13,831.24.

Among base-metals stocks, First Quantum Minerals (FM.TO) and Teck Resources (TCK_B.TO) were down over 1 percent each.

In the oil patch, Nexen Inc. (NXY.TO) lost 2 percent. Integrated energy company Suncor Energy (SU.TO) slipped nearly 2 percent even after reporting a much improved first quarter 2011 net earning.

Among gold stocks, Seabridge Gold (SEA.TO) and Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM.TO) were down around 1 percent each.

Silver producers continued to reel under selling pressure, with First Majestic Silver (FR.TO) losing over 4 percent. Silver Wheaton (SLW.TO) shed over 1 percent.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (RBA.TO) slipped over 2 percent. The industrial auctioneer posted first quarter net earnings of $16.57 million or $0.16 per share, higher than $12.71 million or $0.12 per share last year.

Meanwhile, private equity investor Onex Corp. (OCX.TO) edged up over 1 percent after it said it would realize $2.1 billion by selling its Husky International to Berkshire Partners and OMERS Private Equity.

Airlines operator WestJet Airlines (WJA.TO) soared over 6 percent after reporting a much improved first quarter 2011 net earnings.

by RTT Staff Writer

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