In December 2014 compared with November 2014, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade rose by 0.3% in both the euro area (EA18) and the EU28. Analysts were expecting 0.1% decline. In November retail trade rose by 0.7% and 0.9% respectively. In December 2014 compared with December 2013 the
retail sales index increased by 2.8% in the euro area and by 3.2% in the EU28.
The 0.3% increase in the volume of retail trade in the euro area in December 2014, compared with November 2014, is due to rises of 0.4% for automotive fuel and of 0.3% for both the non-food sector and for “Food, drinks and tobacco”. In the EU28, the 0.3% increase in retail trade is due to rises of 0.7% for automotive fuel, of 0.4% for “Food, drinks and tobacco” and of 0.2% for the non-food sector.
Data did not have any major impact on the markets with euro currently being traded few points above 1.1450 level. Pair is likely to find support 1.1370 level and resistance near 1.15 handle. Later today, in the US session, ADP job figures and Non-Manufacturing
PMI data is scheduled for a release.