Canada: Annualized real GDP contracts unexpectedly by 0.2% in Q2, missing expectations of 1.2% growth

Canadian economy contracts 0.2% against expectations of a 1.2% expansion.
USD/CAD stays in positive territory above 1.3500 after the data and US NFP.

Canada's real Gross Domestic product (GDP) contracted at an annual rate of 0.2% in the second quarter, Statistics Canada reported on Friday. This reading followed the 2.6% expansion (revised from 3.1%) recorded in the first quarter and came in worse than the market expectation for growth of 1.2%.

On a quarterly basis, real GDP stagnated compared to analysts' estimate of a 0.3% expansion. During the first quarter, it expanded 0.6% (revised from 0.8%).

On a monthly basis, real GDP contracted in June 0.2%, in line with expectations. In May, the economy expanded 0.2% (revised from 0.3%).

Key takeaways:

Real gross domestic product (GDP) was nearly unchanged in the second quarter, following a 0.6% rise in the first quarter. The slowdown was attributable to continued declines in housing investment, smaller inventory accumulation, as well as slower international exports and household spending. Increased business investment in engineering structures and higher government spending were among the few components that contributed to growth.

The GDP deflator rose 0.7% in the second quarter, as consumer inflation remained elevated.

Real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased 0.2% in June, following a 0.2% increase in May. Both services-producing industries (-0.2%) and goods-producing industries (-0.4%) contracted in June with 12 of 20 industrial sectors posting decreases.

Market reaction

The Loonie weakened in the market after the data. Not only did the Canadian economy contract unexpectedly during the second quarter, but previous numbers were revised lower.

USD/CAD rose modestly to fresh daily highs above 1.3520. At the same time, the US official employment report was released,and it triggered a decline of the US Dollar limiting the upside of the pair.

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.