Germany June retail sales -0.8% vs +0.2% m/m expected

<ul><li>Prior +0.4%</li></ul><p>In real terms, German retail sales are not looking too good and that's a poor signal of consumption activity in the economy. With the manufacturing sector already in recession, this could mark a deeper downturn in the overall economic health if households are also pulling back further on spending. In terms of retail sales value though, there's still an increase in retail sales – especially food sales – in the first six months of the year. You can see that divergence below:</p>

This article was written by Justin Low at www.forexlive.com.