Highlights of the Canadian retail sales report:

  • Prior ex-autos 0.0% m/m (revised to +0.1%)
  • Overall retail sales +0.5% vs +0.1% m/m expected
  • Prior retail sales were +0.5% m/m (revised to +0.6%)

The gain was driven by sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, rising 2.0% in the seventh consecutive gain.

Furniture and home furnishings stores posted a 3.0% gain, which is a continued good sign for housing.