U.K. retail sales declined more than expected in December, figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed Friday.
Retail sales fell 1 percent in December from November, when it grew 1.3 percent. Economists had forecast a 0.3 percent drop for December.
Excluding auto fuel, retail sales dropped 0.9 percent after rising 1.3 percent in prior month. This was slightly slower than a 0.3 percent fall forecast by economists.
On a yearly basis, sales volume including auto fuel advanced 2.6 percent, but slower than November’s 4.5 percent increase and the 4.4 percent expected growth.
Likewise, growth in sales excluding auto fuel eased to 2.1 percent from 3.4 percent. Economists had forecast an annual growth of 3.5 percent.
The material has been provided by InstaForex Company – www.instaforex.com