Retail sales in the euro area declined unexpectedly

In December last year, retail trade volumes in the euro area fell more than expected. It is the largest decline since March 2008, and did not reach the expected growth rate a year earlier, according to a Eurostat report published on Wednesday.

In December last year, retail sales volume in the 19 euro area countries decreased by 1.6 percent, seasonally adjusted, and by 1.3 percent in the EU-27.
In November, retail sales grew by 0.8 percent in the euro area and 0.9 percent in the EU. (MTI)