Retail sales in the UK increased by 0.5% in April, compared to a decline of 1.2% in March, revised from 0.9%, while it was expected to rise by 0.3%.
In the details, sales volumes in food stores increased by about 0.7% in April, after a decrease of 0.8% in March, while non-food stores increased by about 1%, after a decrease of 1.8%. Internet retail sales increased by 0.2%, while motor fuel sales declined. by about 2.2%.
The pound sterling is trading more than 30 points higher this Friday morning at 1.2350 levels, after retreats for four consecutive sessions.