Retail sales got a boost in November

Statistics Canada says retail sales climbed 0.9% in November to $51.5 billion, boosted by gains in the auto sector.

The agency says the increase for the month largely offset a revised 1.1% decline in October. The initial report for October had been a drop of 1.2%.

Economists on average had expected an increase of 0.4% for November, according to financial markets data firm Refinitiv.

Sales were up in six of 11 subsectors tracked by Statistics Canada, representing 70% of retail trade.

The motor vehicle and parts dealers subsector gained 3.0%, led primarily by sales at new car dealers. Food and beverage stores saw sales rise 0.9%, while building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers reported an increase of 2.1%.

Excluding motor vehicle and parts dealers, retail sales were up 0.2% for the month. Economists had expected an increase of 0.4%, excluding autos, according to Refinitiv.

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is a national news agency headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1917.