NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Canadian stocks edged up in early trading on Tuesday after U.S. data showed stronger retail sales, while investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest monetary policy statement in the afternoon. The S&P/TSX Composite Index ISPTX 0.00% added 9.36 points to 12,437.37, led by gains in the material and technology sectors. Clearwater Seafoods CA:CLR 0.00% shares rose 5% on higher fourth-quarter profits. Shares of 5N Plus Inc. CA:VNP -21.83% fell 22.6%. The producer of purified metal and chemical products reported a fourth-quarter loss. The firm's rating was cut to sector perform from outperform by National Bank of Canada, and to sell from neutral by Versant investment bank.
