16/08/2001

High retail sales in July throw doubt on further interest rate cut

The latest figures on retail sales in July have decreased hopes of a further interest rates cut.

Data on retail sales released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that retail sales jumped 0.6 per cent above the June figure to stand a full six percent higher than in July last year.

Shoppers ignored concerns about the economy to push up July’s retail sales, which in June were flat. However, the jump, which was more or less what City analysts had expected, firms up opinions that any possible cut in the interest rate will be put on hold.

The Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee had already expressed concerns about possible overheating in the domestic retail sector that could lead to additional inflationary pressure in the economy.

The July increase of 0.6 per cent means that retail sales for the quarter average out at 1.5 per cent. This is within the expected trend so far this year as the increase realigns the upward increase of retails sales and effectively counters the retail sales flat spot experienced in June.

The ONS report that average retail sales in July were £4,140 million per week.

The largest increases in volume were experienced in non-food goods including textiles and clothing.

(SP)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 October 2001
UK high street sales remain buoyant
Consumer confidence appears not to have been substantially dented by the terrorist attacks on the US. A Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report on retail sales in September showed that shoppers were continuing to flock to the High Street.
02 November 2004
CBI urge interest rate freeze following under par retail sales
High street spending lifted in October but overall autumn sales have disappointed retailers, according to the CBI's latest monthly survey.
24 September 2010
Bangor Sainsbury's Development Boosts Jobs
Development work will begin on a major superstore project in Bangor at the beginning of October, creating and securing dozens of construction jobs. The property expert who secured the deal to bring the Sainsbury's supermarket giant to Balloo Retail Park said that it will be a significant boost for the scheme and the local area.
08 August 2011
Citroën Retail Group In Irish Jobs' Boost
The French Citroën Retail Group will open a new retail premises in Dublin before the end of this year. As well as providing customers with more opportunities to view the Citroën brand, the new dealership will also provide a welcome job boost to the Dublin motor industry.
03 July 2002
UK retail sales growth slowest for 18 months
Retail sales grew at the slowest rate for 18 months in the year to June according to the latest CBI figures published on Wednesday July 3. The CBI said the findings support the May survey which suggested a slowdown in the growth of spending was starting to take effect.