Canadian Retail Sales Rebound 1.2% to $74.6B

Canadian retail sales rose 1.2% in August to C$74.6 billion, rebounding from July’s 0.8% decline, with gains across all nine subsectors. The increase included a 1.5% rise at new-car dealers, while core sales and inflation-adjusted retail volumes each climbed 1.1% and 1.2%, respectively. Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate points to a further 0.7% increase in September, though that figure may be revised; analysts say slower growth could reflect weaker consumer momentum amid renewed U.S. trade tensions. The figures will inform the Bank of Canada’s upcoming rate decision, with markets increasingly expecting an interest-rate hike.