Canadian retail sales increased 0.7% in February, a couple tenths softer than the flash estimate. Seven of nine sectors posted higher spending, led by autos (+1.0%), general merchandise (+1.2%), clothing (+1.1%) and groceries (+0.9%). Spending rose 0.5% ex-autos, while sales ex-autos and gas were up 0.6%. Eight of ten provinces saw increases. In relative terms, the largest gains were in Nova Scotia and Manitoba, each above 2%. Unfortunately, price increases took out a chunk of the headline rise, as sales volumes were up just 0.3%. GDP growth is tracking roughly in line with the 0.2% preliminary estimate, alongside ... (full story)