German retail sales fell by 0.1% on the month in June but a stronger-than-forecast yearly rise suggested consumer spending, which is expected to drive growth this year, remains a pillar of support for the economy as foreign trade weakens.
The volatile indicator, which is often subject to revision, was in line with expectations in a Reuters poll for a 0.1% monthly drop, data from the Federal Statistics Office showed today.
The monthly data for May was revised down to a rise of 0.7% from a previously reported increase of 0.9%.
On the year, annual retail sales in Europe's largest economy climbed by 2.7% in real terms - far more than the 1.3% increase forecast by economists in a Reuters poll.
