MNI DATA IMPACT: Canada Retail Sales +0.1%, Lags Expectation>

By Greg Quinn 

     OTTAWA (MNI) - Canadian retail sales grew a less-than-expected 

+0.1% in April on weakness in automobiles and home improvement 

materials.

     The increase was less than the +0.5% expected in the MNI median 

economist forecast, and the March increase of +1.3%. Excluding motor 

vehicles and gasoline, retail sales declined -0.1% in April. Another 

sign of weakness is the -0.2% in the volume of sales. 

     Motor vehicle and parts sales were +0.1% in April, after being 

little changed in March. Building material and garden supply store sales 

fell -2.6%. Gasoline again inflated retail sales with a +1.2% gain on 

higher prices, and taking out price changes they were -0.7%. 

     Sales excluding motor vehicles and parts were +0.1%, less than the 

expected +0.2% for April.

--MNI Ottawa Bureau; tel: +1 613-314-9647; greg.quinn@marketnews.com 

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