Source: The Canadian Press

Six of 10 components rose and only one declined as the composite index climbed 0.3% in November.

Statistics Canada reports the housing index recorded the largest turnaround, increasing 2%after six straight declines averaging almost 3% a month.

Both housing starts and existing home sales firmed up after sizable retreats from their highs in the spring.

The upturn in housing was reflected in a levelling off of furniture and appliance sales, after four straight declines, while spending on other durable goods continued to advance steadily.

Manufacturing demand continued to improve slowly as new orders rose 0.7%.
The ratio of shipments to inventories was unchanged at 1.93 for the third straight month, as the growth of inventories has caught up to the recovery of sales.

Elsewhere, the Toronto stock market continued to trend up with a 2.8% gain in November, driven by the strength in commodity prices.

The U.S. leading indicator again rose slowly, up 0.2%.