Canadian Manufacturing Sector Hits Six-Month Low on Trade Tensions

The Canadian manufacturing sector experienced its slowest expansion in six months in September due to trade frictions and elevated energy prices. The S&P Global Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 51.5 from 53.0 in August, marking the lowest level since March.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in the sector. Paul Smith, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said that 'Canada's manufacturing economy showed a degree of resilience in the face of several headwinds during September.'

The output index dipped to 50.8 from 52.8 in August, while the new orders measure slipped below the 50 threshold for the first time since March.