German retail sales rose

German retail sales declined in January, the first annual decline in eight months. But compared to December, the German retail sales increased more than expected.

Retail sales in Germany rose 0.7 percent in January of 2016 over the previous month, as compared to an upwardly revised 0.6 percent growth in December. It is the third straight month of gain and beating market expectations. Year-on-year, retail sales dropped by 0.8 percent,following an upwardly revised 2.5 percent rise in a month earlier. (MTI)