Australian retail sales rise 0.2% in April, less-than-expected

Australian retail sales rose modestly in April, led by strength in cafes, department stores and clothing. In a report, Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that Australian retail sales rose to a seasonally adjusted 0.2%, as soft consumer demand, a warm autumn and aggressive discounting took their toll after a relatively strong March. The growth rate compares with a 0.4% increase for March, and fell short of economists' forecasts of 0.3% this time. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that turnover at cafes, restaurants and takeaway stores led the way with a 1% increase, followed by clothing, footwear and accessories, with 0.5% growth. However the situation with food retailers, such as supermarkets, appeared to be bad, as sales in this segment were down 0.3% for the month. 

Meanwhile, a separate research showed that Australia's trade balance rose more-than-expected last month. Australia's trade balance increased to a seasonally adjusted -$1.579 billion, against market expectations of a -$2.11 billion print. That is a fall of $392 million, 20%, from the March deficit of -$1.971 billion whose figure was revised up from -$2.163 billion. Moreover, data showed that exports have risen by 1% and imports have declined by 1%. This is good news that backs up the strong GDP data released yesterday, but yet is a trend that needs to pick up pace if it is to counteract the loss of the mining industry all together.