Moody's new report said "Canadian............>

CANADA: Moody's new report said "Canadian retailers are well positioned for

near-term growth as they work through a variety of challenges, including

increases in minimum wages and ongoing headwinds due to e-commerce competition."

- "Operating incomes for the retailers analyzed in this report are poised to

grow 6.0-6.5% in 2017," it said. "That growth is likely to slow to 5.0-5.5% in

2018 as new minimum wage increases and new drug reforms take effect in certain

provinces. Retail sales, excluding autos and gasoline, should grow 4.0%-4.5% in

2017, supported by gains in household wealth from home price appreciation.

Risks, including e-commerce and the expansion of US retailers into Canada,

should be manageable."