Retail sales in this country rose more than expected in August, climbing for the fourth month in a row as sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers increased.
Data released Thursday by Statistics Canada showed retail sales rose by 0.5%, topping economists' expectations for a gain of 0.1%. But excluding the autos and parts sector, sales were flat. In volume terms, total retail sales rose 0.7%.
Sales at new car dealers increased 1.7% as more new trucks were sold, particularly in Quebec and Ontario. Used car purchases jumped by 5.5%. Overall sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose 2%.
Other sectors saw sales improve, including furniture and food and beverage stores. That was offset by a 0.6% decrease at gasoline stations, where sales fell for the second month in a row.
Canada was in a mild recession in the first half of the year but growth is expected to have picked back up in the second half. The Bank of Canada on Wednesday painted a picture of an economy pulling out of its downturn, while announcing it was leaving interest rates alone.
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