Canadian and U.S. stock markets gained ground on Thursday as investors sifted through fresh corporate earnings reports on both sides of the border. Brianne Gardner, senior wealth manager of Velocity Investment Partners at Raymond James Ltd., said Canada’s main stock index benefited from firmer precious metals prices and strong earnings. Gardner said Canadian banks were also providing stability in the market after the sector saw some recent weakness. In the oil market, prices eased. The decline in oil prices Thursday comes after sharp gains a day before.