Canada's Reliance on Foreign Financing Grows as Exports Tumble

(Bloomberg) -- Canada's reliance on foreign financing rose to near record levels in the third quarter as exporters continue to struggle.

The country's current account deficit -- what it needs to borrow from the rest of the world to finance spending -- widened to C$19.3 billion, the third highest on record. Economists had forecast a C$20 billion deficit.

Canada has booked current account deficits for 36 straight quarters, worth more than C$500 billion over that time.

While the current account gaps have narrowed from records reached in 2015, they remain elevated and are a source of vulnerability if foreigners grow wary of financing the nation's expansion.

Exports in recent months have suffered one of their biggest tumbles ever, fueling concern the nation's currency had accelerated too quickly earlier this year.

The slumping trade performance also means Canada's expansion lost a major engine, reinforcing expectations growth is poised to slow in the second half of the year.

--With assistance from Erik Hertzberg

To contact the reporter on this story: Theophilos Argitis in Ottawa at targitis@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Theophilos Argitis at targitis@bloomberg.net, Greg Quinn

©2017 Bloomberg L.P.

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