Australia retail sales (preliminary, February) -1.1% m/m (vs. expected +0.6%)

During parts of February there were lockdowns in the state of Victoria and Western Australia

Sales miss at -1.1% m/m vs. the +0.6% expected (was +0.5% in January)

For the y/y a solid +8.7% (+10.6% in January)

Victoria fell 4 per cent, and Western Australia fell 6 per cent, as trade was restricted for five days in each state.