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StatCan estimates CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s economy grew at a pace just above flat

Growth in services in August were offset by declines in goods-producing industries
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A magnifying glass enlarges the holographic image of Parliament HillÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Peace Tower on a $20 bill issued by the Bank of Canada, shown in a display case at the Bank of Canada Museum in Ottawa, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

The Canadian economy was flat in August as high interest rates continued to weigh on consumers and businesses, while a preliminary estimate suggests it grew at an annualized rate of one per cent in the third quarter.

Statistics CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s gross domestic product report Thursday says growth in services-producing industries in August were offset by declines in goods-producing industries.

The manufacturing sector was the largest drag on the economy, followed by utilities, wholesale and trade and transportation and warehousing.

The report notes shutdowns at CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s two largest railways contributed to a decline in transportation and warehousing.

A preliminary estimate for September suggests real gross domestic product grew by 0.3 per cent.

Statistics CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s estimate for the third quarter is weaker than the Bank of CanadaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s projection of 1.5 per cent annualized growth.

The central bank has acknowledged repeatedly the economy is weak and that growth needs to pick back up.

Last week, the Bank of Canada delivered a half-percentage point interest rate cut in response to inflation returning to its two per cent target.

Governor Tiff Macklem wouldnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t say whether the central bank will follow up with another jumbo cut in December and instead said the central bank will take interest rate decisions one a time based on incoming economic data.

The Bank of Canada is expecting economic growth to rebound next year as rate cuts filter through the economy.





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