Real GDP static in February

OTTAWA — Statistics Canada says real gross domestic product was unchanged in February following a drop in January

as gains in retail sales were offset by a drop in goodsproducing industries.

The February figures found service industries were up 0.1 per cent after dropping 0.2 per cent in January, helped by gains in retail sales, finance and insurance as well as the public sector.

Goods-producing industries fell 0.2 per cent after losing 0.1 per cent in January due to a decline in manufacturing and mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction.

Cold weather helped utilities grow by 2.3 per cent for February after increasing 1.7 per cent in January.