[RACooper]

Originally posted by ktsnake
I challenge you to find any country similar in prosperity to the US in cost of living, wages, etc. that is experiencing better growth.

Um.... lets see... hmmm... Canada?


http://www.cbc.ca/story/business/nat...my_040831.html

Economic growth up in second quarter
Last Updated Tue, 31 Aug 2004 10:56:31 EDT

OTTAWA - The Canadian economy grew at an annual rate of 4.3 per cent between April and June, up from the 3 per cent rate seen in the first three months of the year.

In the same quarter, the U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.8 per cent.

Statistics Canada said the economy was boosted by a surge in exports that spurred manufacturing, wholesaling, and rail and truck transportation.

Between the first and second quarters, the economy expanded by 1.1 per cent.

Exports of goods and services advanced 5 per cent in the second quarter, the strongest gain in more than seven years, Statistics Canada said.

The automotive products, machinery and equipment, and industrial goods and materials sectors grew strongly. Forestry products exports posted the strongest gain – 5.5 per cent – in nearly eight years, stimulated by the US housing boom.

"The surge in exports spurred a 1.6 per cent increase in manufacturing in the second quarter," Statistics Canada said. "The gains were widespread as 17 of the 21 major manufacturing groups reported higher output."

Consumer spending slowed to 0.3 per cent in the second quarter, following a strong first quarter, and after averaging 0.8 per cent per quarter in the past two years. Spending on services, durable and semi-durable goods all slowed considerably, Statistics Canada reported.