Tom Hahn
Canadian retail sales grew less than expected in June as gasoline prices slumped, partially offsetting a rebound in auto sales, according to Statistics Canada data released on Tuesday.
After two months of contraction, sales climbed 0.1 per cent in June from May in current dollars but they jumped 0.9 per cent in volume terms - used to calculate real gross domestic product - as five of 11 sub-sectors recorded gains.
The sales value fell short of market expectations for a 0.4 per cent gain in overall retail sales.
Excluding autos, sales fell 0.5 per cent in the month, defying expectations of a 0.1 per cent rise.
Motor vehicle and parts dealers saw the biggest gains, with a 2.1 per cent increase. Sales fell most sharply at gas stations, down 2.7 per cent, as prices fell for the third straight month after an 11-month climb.