LBM trade rises, retail flat in October

OTTAWA — Wholesale trade declined 0.2% in October, after increasing 1.6% in September and 0.4% in August, according to StatCan. However, wholesaling of building materials and supplies, petroleum products, motor vehicles and parts was up in October. Retail trade was unchanged in October. Declines in retailing activity at motor vehicle and parts dealers as well as furniture and home furnishings stores offset gains at building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers as well as electronics and appliance stores. Construction rose 0.3% in October, led by increases in residential building as well as engineering and repair construction. Non-residential building also grew.