Leap well beyond expectations for retail sales in the euro area in August, signaling stronger household demand which could contribute to economic growth in the third quarter.
According to data released this morning by Eurostat, retail sales in the 18 countries of the euro area grew by 1,2% on month (after the 0,4 per cent drop suffered in July), while the tendential increase was 1,9% (from +0,5% in the previous month).
The figures are much higher than analysts expected: the estimates, on average, spoke of a +0,1 per cent on the month and by +0,5% year on year.
