Analysts: retail could jump in March

The record increase in retail sales in February was driven by the coronavirus epidemic, and this indicator is one of the few to be positively affected. Consumption will certainly continue to rise in March, but analysts telling MTI say it could turn negative in the second quarter and the second half of the year will depend on how long the epidemic lasts and how the recovery phase begins.

According to a report by the Central Statistical Office (KSH), retail sales in February were 10.9 percent higher and calendar-adjusted 11.3 percent higher than a year before. The KSH estimated that the acquisition fever at the end of February explains the 5.7 percentage points growth. (MTI)