Data from the European Statistical Office, according to Eurostat estimates, showed that retail trade volume rose by 0.3% in the Eurozone and the European Union in February, compared to 0.2% in January’s reading, falling short of expectations that it would rise to 0.6%.

On an annual basis, sales increased by 5% in the Eurozone and by 5.4% in the European Union.

In details, the volume of retail trade for motor fuel increased by 3.2% and by 0.8% for non-agricultural products, while it decreased by 0.5% for food, beverages and tobacco.

The euro is trading at 1.0875 levels against the US dollar