The composite leading indicator grew by 0.3% in August, the same as July, Statistics Canada reported today.

While manufacturing continued to weaken, “consumer spending remained a well-spring of growth,” Statistics Canada said.

“Sales of durable goods rose briskly for the third consecutive month, as auto sales were spurred by discount programs,” StatsCan said. “These three straight gains were the largest in more than two years.

Six of 10 components measured by the agency rose and one was unchanged.

StatsCan said the U.S. leading indicator recorded a second straight 0.2% gain.

As in Canada, the U.S. leading indicator was restrained by weakness in manufacturing. In particular, new orders for consumer goods fell as sales slowed over the summer.