July 20 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index edged higher on Monday supported by hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine, although a spike in coronavirus cases around the world capped gains.
* German biotech firm BioNTech BNTX.O and U.S. drugmaker Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) PFE.N reported additional data from their experimental coronavirus vaccine that showed the vaccine was safe and induced an immune response in patients. The materials sector .GSPTTMT added 1% after gold prices rose as more than 14.5 million people have been infected by the novel coronavirus globally, according to a Reuters tally. GOL/ The largest percentage gainers on the TSX were SilverCrest Metals Inc SIL.TO , which jumped 3.3%, after brokerage Eight Capital hiked its price target of the stock
* Its gains were followed by Alamos Gold Inc AGI.TO , which rose 3.2%.
* At 9:45 a.m. ET (13:45 GMT), the Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index .GSPTSE was up 3.67 points, or 0.02%, at 16,127.15.
* The energy sector .SPTTEN climbed 0.1%. U.S. crude CLc1 prices were down 0.7% a barrel, while Brent crude LCOc1 lost 0.7%. O/R
* On the TSX, 93 issues were higher, while 122 issues declined for a 1.31-to-1 ratio to the downside, with 14.57 million shares traded.
* First Quantum Minerals Ltd FM.TO fell 5%, the most on the TSX, and the second biggest decliner was Ballard Power Systems Inc BLDP.TO , down 3.4%.
* The most heavily traded shares by volume were Royal Bank of Canada RY.TO , Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd NDM.TO and Just Energy Group Inc JE.TO .
* The TSX posted 13 new 52-week highs and no new low.
* Across all Canadian issues there were 57 new 52-week highs and three new lows, with total volume of 37 million shares.