The Canadian economy added 73 thousand jobs in March, according to data released moments before by Statistics Canada, compared to 336 thousand jobs added by the Canadian economy in February, falling short of expectations that the economy added about 77 thousand jobs.

On the other hand, the unemployment rate declined by 0.2% to 5.3% in March, compared to 5.5% in July, while expectations had indicated a decline to 5.4%, the lowest rate since 1976.

The increases came mainly in the industries producing services and goods, reaching 42 thousand jobs, led by accommodation and food services, adding 15 thousand jobs, while the construction sector added about 14 thousand jobs, the natural resources sector 8,800 thousand, and the agriculture sector 5800 thousand.

The Canadian dollar is trading stable against the US dollar at 1.2585 levels.