Canada Economic Activity Expands in April

Canada’s Ivey PMI rose further to 58.2 in May 2026 from 57.7 in April and overshooting market forecasts of 55. The latest reading pointed to a slight acceleration in economic activity compared with the previous month, marking the steepest growth since September 2025. The employment index eased slightly to 54.3 from 54.7, but continued to signal solid job growth. The supplier deliveries index rose marginally to 44.7 from 44.3, while the inventories index declined sharply to 47.9 from 56.5, pointing to a significant reduction in stock levels. Price pressures intensified further, with the prices index rising to 78.0 from 76.6, highlighting persistent inflationary momentum across businesses.

Canada’s Ivey PMI rose to 57.7 in April 2026, the highest level in seven months, rebounding from 49.7 in March, beating forecasts of 49.9 and signaling broad economic expansion. The Employment Index increased to 54.7 from 51.1, while the Inventories Index climbed to 56.5 from 49.4. The Supplier Deliveries Index rose to 44.3 from 38.8. Meanwhile, the Prices Index edged higher to 76.6 from 75.7, pointing to persistent cost pressures.

Canada’s Ivey PMI tumbled to 49.7 in March 2026 from 56.6 in February, missing forecasts of 55.9 and signaling broader economic contraction. The Prices Index surged to 75.7 from 63.4, reflecting intensifying inflationary pressure. Inventories dropped to 49.4 from 57.2, suggesting destocking activity. Meanwhile, the Supplier Deliveries Index fell to 38.8 from 45.2, indicating slower input flows. The Employment Index rose to 51.1 from 49.4, hinting at stronger hiring momentum despite overall contraction.