CANADA DATA REACT: Small business capacity use.......>

CANADA DATA REACT: Small business capacity use rises to 49% from 43% two weeks

ago, Canadian Federation of Independent Business reports Thursday. Rate was 35%

in early April.

-Overall Barometer at 52.5, little changed from earlier this month. It fell to

record low 30.8 in late March; 65 is reading consistent with economy around its

potential.

-"Other measures also point to continuing operational challenges; hiring, wage

and investment plans remain at historically low levels. Pricing plans are on the

rise, though, suggesting that owners are starting to try to recover some of the

high costs of shutdown."

-"Despite the easing of operating restrictions across the country and continuing

government assistance program rollouts, the reality of market conditions and the

uncertainty for the future are holding many businesses back."