Canada's Retail Rebound: January Sales Surge Ahead

Canada's retail sales rose by 1.1% in January, reaching C$69.65 billion. This increase was mainly driven by higher sales in motor vehicles and parts. Core retail sales, excluding gasoline sales and motor vehicles, rose by 0.9%. Analysts had predicted a 1.5% increase. The data suggests a positive GDP outlook.

Canada's retail sales demonstrated resilience with a 1.1% increase in January, according to Statistics Canada. This rise, surpassing C$69.65 billion, was largely fueled by motor vehicles and parts dealers.

Despite a 0.4% decline in December, January's retail landscape showed signs of recovery, with core sales, excluding gasoline and motor vehicles, climbing by 0.9%.

Analysts estimated a 1.5% bump, yet the January figures indicate a potential uptick for first-quarter GDP despite concerns over potential impacts from geopolitical tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)