Retail trade in the USA increased by 1 percent in July compared to the previous month, according to fresh statistics. This can be compared to June when sales were unchanged. Analysts had expected an increase of 0.4 percent, according to Bloomberg's compilation.
Excluding vehicles and fuel, retail sales increased by 0.4 percent in July compared to expected 0.2. This can be compared to an increase of 0.8 percent in June.
Market interest rates rose sharply in the USA after the statistics. The interest rate on a two-year government bond rose from 3.96 percent to 4.07 percent. The dollar strengthened by 6 öre against the krona, while stock market terms on Wall Street climbed upwards.
An unexpectedly positive employment figure also contributed to the market reactions.
