Retail sales bounced back from a weaker growth in January, rising from a 2.2% to 6.4%, according to annualised, calender adjusted figures of the Central Statistical Office. Analysts put this year's growth forecast at around 5% below th 6-8% target by the government
Food sales rose 4.9% year-on-year in January after a 1.4% growth in January. Non-food sales jumped 7.5% and the sale of petrol by 9.1%. For the first two months, the sector produced a 4.3% annualised growth. The macro-economic conditions for future rise in sales are given, which are low inflation, rising real wages and record employment, National Economy Ministry state secretary said Márk Áron Lenner said. The ministry sees growth between 6-8%, but analysts are projecting somewhat slower growth, at around 5%, after a 5.8% increase.
