Statistics Canada released data just moments ago showing retail sales rose 0.8% in March to $69.8 billion, following a revised 0.5% decline in February. Expectations were for a 0.6% increase, driven by a decline in motor vehicle and parts sales.
Core retail sales, excluding gas stations and motor vehicle and parts sales, rose 0.2% in March.
Sales rose in six of the nine subsectors, with the motor vehicle and parts sector leading the increase with a 4.8% increase, as new vehicle sales rose 5.2%. Gas station and convenience store sales fell 6.5%, following five consecutive months of increases, with gasoline declining 1.6%.