Retail sales declined in the EU

According to Eurostat figures published on Thursday; decrease in sales was 0.6 percent, compared to the previous month, and 0.9 percent, compared to the previous year. Analysts expected a monthly 0.5 percent growth and a 0.2 percent annual growth.

The biggest drop was recorded in Malta, Slovenia, Ireland and Lithuania, while the biggest increase was in Portugal and Poland. According to analysts; the weak retail figures of the traditionally strong Christmas period, indicates the continue of the sluggish consumption mood among the population of the euro area – reports MTI.