OTTAWA – Statistics Canada says its composite leading index rose 0.8 per cent in December, following a 0.9 gain the previous month.
The agency says it was a broad-based increase for the index, with eight of the 10 components rising.
Manufacturing rose across the board for the second consecutive month, with autos providing a substantial boost.
Retail sales of durable goods increased for a sixth straight month.
Housing, services employment and money supply growth also contributed to the increase.
In contrast, the stock market declined for a seventh consecutive month.
