British retail sales rose much less than expected

The volume of UK retail sales rose only slightly, compared to the previous quarter, by only 0.1 percent in the three months ended January. The monthly increase in volumes in January was also 0.1 percent.

Prior to Friday’s disclosure of the British statistical office (ONS), the analyst’s consensus showed a 0.5 percent increase in sales for this period.

According to ONS, this was the weakest three months retail performance since April last year. (Kertész Róbert, MTI)