U.K Retail Sales ex Auto Fuel Steady in June, Annually Increases by 3.3%, Sterling Rises Just Below August Highest - 16.8.2012

U.K Retail Sales excluding auto fuel in July remained unchanged compared to expectations of a slight drop by 0.2 per cent, while in June increased by a revised 1.1%. Moreover, U.K Retail Sales from July 11 to July 12 remained at the highest level since January 2011, they rose more than expected, by 3.3%, according to the U.K Office of National Statistics. U.K Retail sales with auto fuel on monthly basis surprisingly increased by 0.3% in July, compared to a revised increase of 0.8% in June. Furthermore from July 2011 to July 2012 Retail Sales with auto fuel advanced more than expected, by 2.8%, while in June rose by a revised 2.6%. The Sterling was well supported by the stronger than anticipated Retail Sales data, climbing against the greenback from 1.5636 to 1.5706, retesting monthly highs.