Total exports fell 1.9% in December to $64.1 billion, led by reduced shipments of motor vehicles and parts
Softer job market conditions came as high interest rates continued to weigh on growth
Imports fell 2.8% for the month to $63 billion
Those in the bottom half of earners saw their average income decline
Disposable income comfortably outpaced the growth in debt, demand for mortgages fell
Consumer spending “continued to sputter” as economic growth weakened
Core measures of inflation eased slightly last month
Chemical products and motor vehicles were winners, while primary metals fell
Sales at general merchandise retailers rose 3.3% in April, while food and beverage retailers saw a gain of 1.5%
Statistics Canada reports real gross domestic product grew at annualized rate of 3.1% in Q1