As Canada’s economy soars unexpectedly, driven by consumer spending and real estate investments, recent data from Statistics Canada (Stat Can) has revealed a promising surge in real gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the fourth quarter of 2024. This growth has surpassed the projections made by the Bank of Canada, underscoring the country’s economic vitality.
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Canadian Real GDP Growth Exceeds Expectations
Canadian economic output has exceeded all forecasts, with annualized real GDP expanding by 2.6% in Q4 2024. This growth is nearly a whole percentage point above what experts had predicted, as well as the Bank of Canada’s forecast. On a per capita basis, there has been a slight decrease in growth due to population trends; however, the improved output signals a potential upturn in per capita GDP in the coming year. -
Robust Household Resilience
A significant highlight of this economic upturn is the resilience of Canadian households. Real consumer spending witnessed annualized growth of 3.6% in December, aided by a temporary GST/HST holiday. This stimulus, though short-lived, contributed to lowering the reported Consumer Price Index (CPI), thereby reducing inflation and enhancing real GDP. - Real Estate Investment Surges
The real estate sector is experiencing a notable surge, particularly in residential investments. Residential investment spiked by 16.7% in Q4, marking the largest increase in four years. This growth was further bolstered by a 3.9% rise in residential construction, the most significant leap since Q1 2021.
The remarkable performance of Canada’s economy has also been subject to revisions in historical data, pointing towards even more positive trends. Stat Can recently made substantial adjustments to GDP figures for Q2 and Q3, enhancing the originally reported sluggish growth.
Expert forecasts predict the momentum of Q4 to extend into the first quarter of the year, buoyed by temporary fiscal measures and enhanced export initiatives. However, potential US tariffs threaten to dampen this growth, with the looming possibility of a recession by mid-year.
In conclusion, while the economic landscape may face challenges in the form of tariffs and market indicators, the current resilience and growth of Canada’s economy showcase a promising outlook. Stay tuned for more developments and trends shaping the country’s economic future.
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