Source: The Canadian Press

Canadian companies have seen their profits soar in recent quarters, but the climb could slow down in the back half of this year, according to the Conference Board of Canada.

The Ottawa-based private-sector forecasts says its industry indicator is showing signs that a strong post-recession recovery is losing some of its momentum.

That could mean that more companies turn out weak profits, or none at all, in the final two quarters of 2010.

The Conference Board said the leading indicator for all industries fell 0.4% in April, the first decline since March 2009.

The drop was caused by a rapid rise in the corporate prime interest rate and weaker seasonal raw materials prices.

The Conference Board says a drop in corporate earnings could be slowed by improvements in the labour market or renewed growth in the stock markets.