UK December retail sales data now out 19 Jan

  • 1.1% prev
  • yy 1.4% vs 2.6% exp vs 1.6% prev
  • ex auto,fuel mm -1.6% -1.0% exp vs 1.2% prev
  • yy 1.4% vs 2.6% exp vs 1.5% prev

Softer data sees GBPUSD down to 1.3915 EURGBP up to 0.8825

Demand support into 1.3900 and offers above 0.8830 should temper GBP losses

A small reminder to those getting too carried away by the recent GBP strength

Says the ONS:

  • For the whole of 2017, the quantity bought in retail sales increased by 1.9%; the lowest annual growth since 2013.

  • In non-seasonally adjusted terms, shopping for Christmas has shifted in recent years from being mainly in December to more in November as consumers seem to be starting their purchasing earlier in line with Black Friday promotions.

  • Internet sales continued to increase when compared with previous years, with physical stores dominating online sales growth in December

Full report here