Forex News

Forex News: 06.02.2007 Retail sales in the euro area below expectations in December

The index of retail sales in the euro area was below expectations in December, amounting to 0.3% in a month and 2.1% in a year, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities reported today.

In the preceding month, the index of retail sales was in the euro area 0.5% in a month and 1.3% in a year. The index was expected to rise by 0.9% in a month and 2.1% in a year in December.

The index of retail sales of food, drink and tobacco rose by 0.3% in a month and 0.1% in a year. The index of retail sales in non-food sector increased by 0.3% in a month and 3.3% in a year.

Though the index was below expectations, retail sales grew substantially toward the preceding month, which indicates the balance of personal spending and consumer demand in the euro area.

posted by Kalin Tasev @ 8:04 AM