Analysis

Real gross domestic product advanced 0.4% in November, a third consecutive monthly increase. As was the case in September and October, most major industrial sectors increased their production.

The goods-producing industries grew for a third month in a row (+0.6%), while the services industries increased 0.4%. Mining and oil and gas extraction, and wholesale trade accounted for about sixty percent of the overall growth. Several other sectors also recorded increases, such as finance and insurance, construction and the public sector (education, health and public administration combined). Conversely, retail trade and utilities declined in November while the manufacturing sector remained unchanged.

Mining and oil and gas extraction increases

The mining sector increased 1.8% in November, largely on the strength of oil and gas extraction. Natural gas production rose as prices, while remaining low compared to a year ago, have increased recently. Oil extraction went up as foreign demand increased. Support activities for mining, oil and gas extraction advanced for a fourth month in a row.

The mining sector excluding oil and gas extraction advanced 2.5% as some producers in the copper, nickel, lead and zinc mining industry boosted their production after resuming their operations in October.

Widespread gains in wholesale trade

The volume of wholesaling activities increased 2.4% in November, with all trade groups advancing, with the exception of machinery and equipment and metal products. The most notable increases were in the wholesaling of food products, motor vehicles (which had a 16% surge in imports) and building supplies.

The finance and insurance sector moves ahead

The finance and insurance sector grew 1.2% in November. This gain was attributable to strong activity in the bond markets and a significant increase in mutual fund sales. There was also strength in personal loans and residential mortgages.

Construction rises again

Construction activity rose 1.1% in November, a fourth consecutive monthly increase. Residential building construction (+2.5%) and, to a lesser extent, engineering and repair work (+0.6%) advanced. Non-residential building construction edged down as an increase in institutional building was offset by decreases in industrial and commercial building.

The home resale market continued to advance, resulting in a 0.7% increase in the output of real estate agents and brokers.

Retail trade decreases

Value added in retail trade fell 0.8% in November. Significant decreases were posted in the automotive sector, general merchandise stores (which include department stores), and clothing and accessories. On the other hand, increased activities at furniture, home furnishings and electronic stores, as well as building materials stores, partially offset the declines.

Output of utilities falls

The utilities sector decreased 1.8% in November as unseasonably warm weather throughout most of Canada lowered the demand for both electricity and natural gas.

Manufacturing sector remains unchanged

The manufacturing sector remained unchanged in November following growth of 0.1% in October. Manufacturing of primary metal products, chemicals, non-metallic minerals, and petroleum and coal products increased significantly. Conversely, manufacturers of fabricated metal products, printing and food products reduced their production.