Home Breadcrumb caret Economy Breadcrumb caret Economic Indicators Wholesale sales in March surprise to the upside Wholesale sales rose 1.1% to $62.8 billion in March, reports StatsCan. The increase more than offset a decline in February of -0.8%, and was “more than expected,” says CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes in emailed commentary. The motor vehicle and parts subsector posted the largest gain in dollar terms, as sales rose 5.0% to $11.8 […] By Staff | May 22, 2018 | Last updated on May 22, 2018 1 min read Wholesale sales rose 1.1% to $62.8 billion in March, reports StatsCan. The increase more than offset a decline in February of -0.8%, and was “more than expected,” says CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes in emailed commentary. The motor vehicle and parts subsector posted the largest gain in dollar terms, as sales rose 5.0% to $11.8 billion, following three consecutive monthly declines. Excluding the subsector, wholesale sales rose 0.2%. Meanwhile, the building material and supplies subsector increased 3.4% to a record high of $9.2 billion. Overall, sales increased in four of seven subsectors, while wholesale sales in volume terms rose 0.8%. The increase in volumes will “provide a nice end to the first quarter,” says Mendes. Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector declined for the second month, falling 1.4% to $11.9 billion. The wholesale report doesn’t garner much market reaction, says Mendes. “Markets will now have to wait until next week’s GDP report and Bank of Canada decision for any domestic economic news.” Also read: Why financial sector will be strong this year Annual inflation cools, but BoC core measure above 2% Put rate hikes into context for savers and borrowers Staff The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998. Save Stroke 1 Print Group 8 Share LI logo