Canada: Growth in real GDP slowed to 0.4% in the third quarter of 2017

"Growth in real gross domestic product (GDP) slowed to 0.4% in the third quarter of 2017, following a 1.0% increase in the second quarter," the Statistics Canada reported on Friday.

Key highlights

Increased household final consumption expenditure (+1.0%) was the main contributor, while weaker exports (-2.7%) moderated growth.

Final domestic demand grew 0.9%, a rate similar to the previous two quarters.

Exports fell 2.7% while imports were flat in the quarter.

Lower exports of motor vehicles and parts (-9.0%) were the largest contributor to the decline, and were generally attributable to work stoppages and changes to certain models destined for the American market.

Exports of metal and non-metallic mineral products (-4.5%), consumer goods (-3.1%) and energy products (-1.9%) also fell. 

Household final consumption expenditure grew 1.0% as households increased their outlays on both services (+1.3%) and goods (+0.6%).