Retail sales sank in 2008
German retail sales probably contracted last year on a so-called real, or adjusted basis, the national statistics office said on Friday, after releasing provisional data for the month of November.
The Destatis office estimated that sales were either unchanged or decreased by up to 0.5 percent from 2007, based on figures for the 11 months from January to November.
In nominal terms, which consider only the actual numbers recorded, retail sales were forecast to have risen by 1.9-2.4 percent, a statement said.
For November, adjusted data showed a monthly increase of 0.7 percent from October, when sales had plunged by 2.2 percent from the previous month.
The one-month increase in November exceeded a forecast by analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires, which saw sales gaining 0.5 percent in adjusted terms.
On a 12-month basis however, they lost 3.0 percent in November.
Consumption is traditionally the weakest link in Germany's export-oriented economy, and officials regularly seek to boost consumer spending, especially since exports have been curbed by slowdowns or recessions in major global economies.
Comments
See Also
The Destatis office estimated that sales were either unchanged or decreased by up to 0.5 percent from 2007, based on figures for the 11 months from January to November.
In nominal terms, which consider only the actual numbers recorded, retail sales were forecast to have risen by 1.9-2.4 percent, a statement said.
For November, adjusted data showed a monthly increase of 0.7 percent from October, when sales had plunged by 2.2 percent from the previous month.
The one-month increase in November exceeded a forecast by analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires, which saw sales gaining 0.5 percent in adjusted terms.
On a 12-month basis however, they lost 3.0 percent in November.
Consumption is traditionally the weakest link in Germany's export-oriented economy, and officials regularly seek to boost consumer spending, especially since exports have been curbed by slowdowns or recessions in major global economies.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.