Swiss retail sales increased at the quickest pace in four months in April, data from the Federal Statistical Office revealed on Monday.
In real terms, retail sales climbed 1.6% yearly in April, faster than the 1.3% growth in March. Meanwhile, sales were expected to rise only by 0.2%. It was the third successive monthly expansion.
Excluding service stations, total retail sales were 1.4% higher.
The upturn in April was driven by a 2.5% growth in sales of non-food products and a 0.3% rebound in sales of food, beverages and tobacco products.
On a monthly basis, retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 0.4% in April versus a 2.5% increase in the prior month.
