Canada’s economic activity increased by 0.3% in August, the highest growth in six months, Statistics Canada said today. The figure matched economists’ expectations.

StatsCan said a 0.4% expansion in services industries contributed more to August’s growth than goods-producing industries, which were up by 0.2%.

“Carrying on from the previous month, the energy sector, wholesale trade and retail sales were especially vibrant,” StatsCan said.

“For a second consecutive month, manufacturing output was essentially unchanged. Utilities and construction declined.”

The economy grew by 0.2% in July.