Alberta’s wholesale activity stood at a new peak to start the year. Seasonally-adjusted revenue came in at $8.4 billion in January, up $623 million (+8%) from December 2021.

Sales grew across most sub-categories, with machinery, equipment and supplies driving over half the aggregate increase. Building material and supplies also rebounded sharply and overshadowed a decline in farm product revenue.

On an unadjusted basis, revenue in January was $1.3 billion (+22%) above the depressed level witnessed in January 2021. Part of the gain is attributable to elevated wholesale prices, which stood 10% higher nationally relative to last January.

It was a similar story for Canada as the value of wholesale trade rose $3.2 billion (+4%) to $79.8 billion, driven by a $1.7 billion (+14%) surge in building material and supplies revenue.

Led by Ontario, Quebec and Alberta, wholesale revenue increased in 9 provinces.

Answer to the previous trivia question: A standard 42 US gallon barrel of crude oil weighs around between about 275-325 pounds depending on the grade of the oi and its temperature. Not surprisingly, light grade oil weighs less than heavy grade oil.

Today’s trivia question: What are the odds of filling out a perfect NCAA March Madness men’s basketball tournament bracket?