Free Trial

Repost: Jan BRC Uptick Masks Continued Fall in Real Retail Sales

UK DATA
MNI (London)

UK BRC JAN RETAIL SALES LFL +3.9%; DEC +6.5%

UK BRC JAN RETAIL SALES TOT +4.2%; DEC +6.9%

  • UK BRC retail sales increased +3.9% (like-for-like) and +4.2% (total) in January, slowing from December and remaining weaker than the 3-month average growth rates.
  • This data is not adjusted for inflation. As such, the increase in sales in January implied a much larger decline in real sales. Heavy discounts in January were implemented to try to boost January sales, yet at the cost of company profit margins.
  • Low consumer confidence, and upcoming rises in household bills and mortgage rates continues to hamper spending appetite. Yet slowing inflation in 2023 should see spending begin to recover.
  • UK January retail data is due on Feb 17, after having recorded M/M contractions for 10 out of 12 months in 2022 and signalling a negative contribution to Q4 GDP. Lackluster spending outlooks remain a concern for the BOE but in line with projections.

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.