The latest Canadian GDP figures could mean an earlier-then-expected interest rate rise according to some analysts.
Canada’s economy grew 0.5 per cent in March following a flat February; and was up 0.9 per cent in the first quarter, following a 0.7 per cent gain in the last three months of 2016, Statistics Canada reported.
"If we continue to get growth numbers like this, absent trade policy risks, it's going to be tougher for the Bank of Canada to avoid rate hikes at some point in the distance," Scotiabank economist Derek Holt told Reuters.
In March, construction growth was 0.8 per cent driven by a 1.2 per cent gain for residential construction. Real estate and leasing was up 0.3 per cent with real estate agents and brokers gaining 2.5 per cent largely due to the Ontario and BC markets.
