The Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday, Dec. 7, edition that CIBC economist Katherine Judge says in a report, "Cyclical sectors that are exposed to the global trade slump saw the most pronounced dent in profits." The Globe's Tim Shufelt writes that trade-exposed Canadian industries such as manufacturing, transportation and construction, collectively saw their third quarter operating profits decline by 5 per cent year over year. With so little clarity on global trade, companies in these sectors have been reluctant to invest in the things that drive earnings growth. Finning International chief executive officer Scott Thomson says, "During this period of political and economic uncertainty, we are managing our pace of exposure and remain focused on providing product support for our customers." TFI International CEO Alain Bedard says he is frustrated with the corporate limbo brought on by the trade war. He says, "The only problem we face, both in Canada and U.S., is the corporate world not investing."