**Canada’s retail sales edged up 0.1% in June from May, Statistics Canada said on Friday, as consumers spent more on new cars and auto parts, but the underlying trend in spending remains weak.**
The increase in retail sales in June was in line with analysts’ expectations and followed a revised 0.6% drop in May. Retail sales in volume terms rose 0.2% in June from May, also in line with forecasts.
Sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers rose 1.3% in June, helped by increased sales of new cars. Sales at gasoline stations gained 2.5% in June, reflecting higher gasoline prices.
However, retail sales excluding autos declined 0.3% in June from May, indicating that consumer spending is still struggling.
Core retail sales, which exclude autos, gasoline and building materials, fell 0.5% in June from May, the biggest monthly decline since January 2022.
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