While forward-looking indicators of business activity remain low, they edged up modestly, supported by a generally positive outlook for the U.S. economy. However, sales expectations deteriorated sharply in energyproducing • The balances of opinion on investment and hiring intentions are still weak, since firms tied to the energy sector plan to cut back on their investment and hiring. On the upside, intentions to increase investment are more prevalent among manufacturing firms and businesses in Central Canada. • Capacity pressures increased somewhat, but the number of firms reporting labour shortages that are ... (full story)