Real gross domestic product edged down 0.1% in August, the first monthly decline since February 2012. Goods production declined 0.5% in August, mainly as a result of decreases in mining and oil and gas extraction and in manufacturing. Declines were also recorded in utilities and construction. The output of service industries was unchanged in August. Increases in wholesale trade, transportation services and the public sector (education, health and public administration combined) were offset by declines in the output of real estate agents and brokers, retail trade, and the finance and insurance sector. (full story)