Canadian economic activity came in a bit stronger than expected in July, but remained weak through the summer in a clear sign growth has begun to sharply slow down. Gross domestic product increased in July by 0.1 per cent, beating estimates for a 0.1 per cent drop, Statistics Canada reported Thursday in Ottawa. Preliminary data show GDP was unchanged in August. Even with the surprise upside in July, the data are consistent with an economy gearing down from a strong start to the year, as a reopening boom loses steam. Since April, growth has averaged just 0.1 per cent on a monthly basis. The weakness shows the extent ... (full story)