BOC 4Q Biz Outlook Surv finds sales but.>

CANADA DATA: BOC 4Q Biz Outlook Surv finds sales outlk moderates but 

still positive. Capacity, labor pressures 'becoming more apparent' and

stimulating hiring, invstmnt plans. BOC says results suggest econ slack 

largely limited to energy regions. Infl expectations remain 'modest', 

unchanged from 3Q. Wage pressures picking up but 'not yet widespread'. 

Wage growth expectations partly due to min wage hikes. Apart from higher 

prime rates, cred cdtns largely unch. Ltd pass-thru from input costs, 

emergng wage pressures. Sales expected to return to 'more sustainable' 

levels. Firms increasingly concerned over NAFTA but views on US econ 

strengthened due to US consumer dmd and tax refrm. Plans to increase 

investment more broad based across regions, sectrs.