Canada’s economy ended the third quarter on a weak note with no growth in September, Statistics Canada said today.

The downturn followed 0.4% growth in August and 0.3% growth in July, StatsCan said.

However, in the third quarter of the year, gross domestic product advanced by 0.8%, bolstered by robust manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors.

Overall, the economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.2% in the third quarter, the agency said.

During the quarter final domestic demand increased 0.8%, as consumer and government spending picked up steam while business investment advanced 1.1%.

Increased domestic demand coupled with the stronger Canadian dollar contributed to a 3.1% increase of imports. Exports on the other hand fell 0.5% as a result of weaker international demand. A massive build-up of business inventories was registered in the quarter.

Industrial production was up 1.5% during the quarter as higher output of manufacturers and utilities was dampened by lower mining activity.

Consumer spending advanced 0.7% in the third quarter, up from 0.5% growth in the second. Spending on goods accelerated, while spending on services slowed as a result of lower expenditures related to travel outside the country and on transportation services.