June 2, 2008 - Modern Distribution Management

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June 2, 2008

Canada Industrial Product Price Index Rises in April

Source: Statistics Canada

In April, a second consecutive strong monthly increase in petroleum prices caused indexes for manufactured goods and raw materials prices to reach record levels in Canada.

From March to April, prices charged by Canadian manufacturers, as measured by the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI), rose 1.4%. While down slightly from the 1.8% increase observed in March, the growth in prices remained strong for a second consecutive month, pushing the IPPI above its last historical peak reached in April 2007. This increase was almost entirely driven by petroleum and coal products, which continued their upward climb with an increase of 7.9%, similar to the rate recorded in March.

Prices of other IPPI products, ...

Canada Industrial Product Price Index Rises in April Read More »

Canada Residential Investment Up 7.5% in 1Q

Source: Statistics Canada
 
The total value of residential construction investment in Canada reached $19.8 billion in the first quarter of 2008, an increase of 7.5% compared with the first quarter of 2007. Increases seen in most provinces and for the three components of residential construction (new housing construction, renovations and acquisition costs) explained this quarterly increase.

The favorable job situation, growth in disposable income, flexible financing options and the strength of the economy in Western Canada continued to support the demand for housing. The increase in investments depends upon the rise in the price of houses. The New Housing Price Index (house-only component) increased by 6.0% in the first quarter ...

Canada Residential Investment Up 7.5% in 1Q Read More »

Manufacturing Contracts in May

Manufacturing failed to grow in May, according to the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

According to the report, the manufacturing sector failed to grow in May as the PMI fell below 50% for the fourth consecutive month.

In relative terms, May was down slightly from April as the rate of contraction in manufacturing slowed. The Production Index was a bright spot as it moved above 50% after declining for two months.

Manufacturers find themselves caught between rising costs and weakening demand in many industries. Exports continue strong due to the weak dollar — without the weak dollar the story would be much more negative in manufacturing.

Daniel Meckstroth, chief economist for the ...

Manufacturing Contracts in May Read More »

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