The total value of goods and services sold each month at retail outlets. The report acts as a gauge of consumption and consumer confidence. An increasing number of sales signal consumer confidence and economic growth, which would fuel the Euro-zone economy. However, higher consumption also leads to inflationary pressures, which results in economic instability. The headline is the monthly percentage change in retail sales.

Notes : Retail trade is where goods are purchased primarily to be resold to the consumer or end-user. The Retail Trade figure tracks the value of turnover in retail trade by calculating the sum of invoice totals in the reporting month.

Relevance : Tends to move markets on release
Release schedule : 9:00 (GMT); monthly, one month following the reporting month
Revisions schedule : Data is revised monthly to adjust for previously unavailable data from some member countries
Source of report : Eurostat
Web Address : http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
Address of release : http://ec.europa.eu/comm/eurostat
Refer Long-term indicators > Industry, Trade and Services > European Business - Selected indicators for all activities (NACE divisions) > Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles and personal and household goods > Retail trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles; repair of personal and household goods
AKA : Retail Trade Turnover Index, Retail Sales