GDP edges up in November

OTTAWA — Real gross domestic product grew 0.2% in November, up for a fifth consecutive month. The output of goods-producing industries grew 0.4% in November, led by an increase in mining and oil and gas extraction and, to a lesser extent, in utilities. Retail trade rose 0.8% in November. Increases were recorded at motor vehicles and parts dealers, electronics and appliance stores as well as clothing and clothing accessories stores. In contrast, retailing activity was down at food and beverage stores and at building material and garden equipment stores. After rising for four consecutive months, wholesale trade decreased 0.6% in November. Wholesaling of machinery, equipment and supplies, building material and supplies as well as farm products were the main sources of decline. Construction edged down 0.1% in November. Declines in residential building construction and repair works outweighed increases in non-residential building and engineering construction.