April’s 1.3% month-over-month decline in UK retail sales signals weaker consumer demand than economists anticipated.
UK retail sales fell 1.3% month-over-month in April, exceeding the 0.6% decline forecast by economists. The drop follows a revised 0.6% increase in March, highlighting volatility in consumer spending patterns.
Analysts had expected a softer contraction after March’s positive revision. The sharper-than-expected decline raises concerns about underlying economic momentum amid persistent inflation and higher borrowing costs.
The data may influence Bank of England policy expectations, with markets assessing the likelihood of further interest rate adjustments.