Canada’s leading economic indicators rose 1.5% in December in only the second time in more than 50 years the index has recorded such a large monthly gain, according to government figures.
Growth was widespread with all of the 10 components of the index, which provides a snapshot of economic activity, rising, StatsCan said.
The housing index gained 3%, rising for the eighth straight month. Existing home sales led the initial upturn in 2009, but by the end of the year the recovery in housing starts had also begun to accelerate, it said.
The U.S. economy has also been picking up helping boost Canadian export volumes 11% since their low last May, StatsCan said. Manufacturing sales volume also rose.
