Canada's composite leading indicator rose 0.3% in April, matching March's gain, its 10th straight monthly increase; seven of 10 components advanced

Cindy Allen

OTTAWA , May 23, 2012 (press release) – The composite leading indicator rose 0.3% in April, matching the increase in March. This was the 10th consecutive monthly increase. Of the 10 components, 7 advanced in the month.

The components related to household demand supported the increase in April, led by a rise in housing starts. Both furniture sales and sales of other durable goods posted a third monthly gain. The financial components remained positive, as did employment in services. The average workweek, however, declined after being flat in the two previous months. The United States leading indicator rose for the third straight month, supported by its financial components and building permits.

In manufacturing, new orders fell for the second month in a row, while the ratio of shipments to inventories was unchanged.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.