India, Aug. 20 -- The Canadian market is modestly higher Wednesday afternoon, lifted by strong gains in materials and energy sectors.

The mood remains a bit cautious ahead of the Federal Bank's symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where several central bank chiefs including Fed Chair Jerome Powell are set to make speeches.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 70.07 points or 0.25% at 27,893.95 a little while ago.

The Materials Capped Index is up 1.7% and the Energy Capped Index up 0.85%, with several stocks from these sectors rising sharply thanks to firm commodity prices.

G Mining Ventures Corp is rising 6.3%, and Barrick Mining Corp is gaining 4.1%. Agnico Eagle Mines, Orla Mining, Franco-Nevada Corp, New Gold, Aya Gold & Silve...