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* Mining profits increased 24.7 per cent to $2.7 billion, continuing the trend started at the beginning of the year as the sector benefited from strong prices for ingredients in crop fertilizers;

* Manufacturers earned $13.4 billion, up 14 per cent, with petroleum and coal manufacturers accounting for nearly one-third of the gain as their profits increased by double-digits for the second consecutive quarter, aided by higher summertime gasoline prices;

* Chemicals, plastics and rubber products manufacturers' earnings also advanced by double-digits, as fertilizer producers profited from strong demand;

* Motor vehicle and parts manufacturers posted operating losses for the second consecutive quarter, amid additional plant closures and layoff announcements;

* Retailers' profits grew 3.2 per cent to $4.8 billion, despite losses from motor vehicle and parts dealers;

* Transportation and warehousing earnings increased 13.5 per cent to $3.4 billion, as increased shipments for coal and grain boosted profitability for railways, while airlines dropped fuel surcharges in the quarter;

* Financial and insurers' earnings increased as life, health, and medical insurance carriers' profits grew thanks to lower expenses, which acted as an offset to losses among banking and other depository credit intermediaries which suffered as interest revenue from all sources declined.