Canadian retail sales in September rose by a higher-than-expected 0.8% from August to a record high $42.85 billion, pushed up by higher auto sales, Statistics Canada data indicated on Tuesday.
The agency ales rose in five of 11 sub-sectors, representing 59% of retail trade, led by a 3.4% increase at motor vehicle and parts dealers. Excluding the auto sector, sales were flat. In volume terms, total retail sales increased by 1%
Figures are seasonally adjusted. Analysts had, on average, forecast a rise of 0.5% in overall sales and an increase of 0.3% excluding auto sales.
