Euro area returns to slump!

In August 2010, compared with July 2010, the volume of retail trade decreased by 0.4% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.3% in the EU27. In July3 retail trade rose by 0.1% in both zones. In August 2010, compared with August 2009, the retail sales index grew by 0.6% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU27. In August 2010, compared with July 2010, “Food, drinks and tobacco” fell by 0.7% in the euro area and by 1.0% in the EU27. The non food sector grew by 0.3% and 0.4% respectively. Among the Member States for which data are available, total retail trade fell in thirteen and increased in six. The largest decreases were recorded in Austria (-3.6%), Slovenia (-2.6%) and Malta (-2.1%), and the highest increases in Romania (+5.2%), Lithuania (+1.3%) and Spain (+1.1%). These first estimates come from Eurostat. The above from Europa Midday Express: Volume of retail trade down by 0.4% in euro area