China's industrial output and retail sales growth slowed in July, missing analyst expectations. The National Bureau of Statistics cited extreme weather as a factor, while Premier Li Qiang acknowledged weak domestic demand, prompting calls for further government intervention.
Despite China's sluggish retail sales and store closures by competitors like Zara and H&M, US apparel brand Gap plans to open 50 new stores in mainland China and return to Hong Kong by year-end, driven by a successful 'China-for-China' localization strategy under new operator Baozun.
Germany faces a heated debate over pension reforms, with conservative leaders criticizing new laws. Meanwhile, a major dark web marketplace founder is charged with drug trafficking, and privacy concerns escalate over Meta Glasses. Retail sales show growth, but Deutsche Bahn faces criticism for opaque pricing.
Online sales in Great Britain reached a five-year high in June, rising 1% month-on-month, driven by a heatwave boosting demand for air conditioners and outdoor products, and World Cup spending, according to the ONS.
US retail sales fell 1% in March, exceeding expectations, as consumers pulled back amid recession fears fueled by a banking crisis, reduced tax refunds, and expired food assistance benefits. This decline, reported by the Commerce Department, signals a moderation in consumer spending and a potentially slowing labor market, despite some economists noting underlying consumer strength.
China's Ministry of Commerce released guidelines to boost physical retail, addressing slow sales growth and intense online competition. The plan aims to create a rational pricing system and transform stores into experience destinations by 2030.
Hong Kong's retail sales reached HK$33.8 billion in May, with a 10.6% increase for the first five months of the year compared to last year. This growth is attributed to economic expansion, rising labor earnings, and a continued increase in inbound visitors, including over 1 million mainland tourists during the Labour Day holiday.
South Korea's retail sales surged 9% year-on-year in May, fueled by positive consumer sentiment, major holidays like Children's Day and Parents' Day, and increased foreign tourist spending. Both online and offline platforms saw significant growth, with online sales contributing 58.6% of the total.
A Jefferies report indicates China's domestic economy struggles with weak consumer spending, property activity, and credit demand, despite robust export growth, particularly in semiconductors. Retail sales declined in May, and consumer confidence fell, signaling persistent challenges.
UK retail sales volumes rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, driven by record hot weather boosting sales of fans and paddling pools, alongside strong online purchases and promotions. Supermarkets saw a slight decline.
UK retail sales volume rose 1.2% in May, exceeding analyst forecasts, due to record hot weather boosting sales of fans and pools, strong online performance, and promotions. Supermarkets were the only sector to decline.
US retail sales rose 0.9% in May, exceeding forecasts, driven by strong auto purchases and service station receipts amid higher gas prices. Despite consumer anxiety over inflation, spending remains resilient, though a slowdown is anticipated as tax refund cushions deplete.
China's retail sales dropped 0.6% in May, the first decline in over three years, signaling a deepening economic slump. Urban investment also contracted more than expected, while industrial output rose, showing a K-shaped growth model.
The ongoing war may continue to affect consumer and business sentiment in the Asia-Pacific region due to higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions, despite CFOs remaining cautiously optimistic about business prospects.
Hong Kong's retail sales saw a provisional estimate of HK$31.4 billion in April 2026, an 8.6% increase year-on-year, marking the 12th consecutive month of growth. Online sales surged by 30.6%.
Hong Kong's retail sales increased by 8.6% year-on-year in April, reaching HK$31.4 billion. This marks the 12th consecutive month of recovery, driven by visitor arrivals and holiday spending. Sales for the first four months of 2026 are up 11.3%.
UK public sector borrowing hit £24.3bn in April, the highest for the month since 2020, driven by increased spending on benefits and debt interest payments. Retail sales also fell, highlighting economic challenges.
UK retail sales volume fell 1.3% in April, the steepest monthly decline in a year, as motorists cut fuel purchases by over 10% after stocking up in March due to the Iran war. Excluding fuel, sales dropped 0.4%.
Hong Kong's retail sales surged 12% year-on-year to HK$106.3 billion in Q1. However, experts predict rents will only grow modestly and are unlikely to return to pre-Covid levels soon, citing a shift towards experience-driven retail and diversified tenant mixes.
Canada allows import of 49,000 Chinese-made EVs annually at a 6.1% tariff, sparking interest among dealers and consumers but concern from industry associations and U.S. officials.
Hong Kong’s retail sales jumped by 12.8 per cent in March, bringing first-quarter growth to 9.8 per cent, driven by a spurt in sales of electric cars ahead of the withdrawal of tax breaks. Provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Wednesday showed that retail sales reached HK$33.9 billion (US$4.32 billion) in March. The March increase was largely fuelled by car sales as buyers raced to make deals before the first registration tax concessions for electric cars ended...
South Korea's industrial output, retail sales, and facility investment all rose month-on-month in March, marking the first time since last September all three indicators posted growth. Industrial production edged up 0.3%, retail sales climbed 1.8%, and facility investment increased 1.5%, though semiconductor production fell 8.1% and refined petroleum products dropped 6.3% due to Middle East conflict impact.
South Korea's industrial output, retail sales, and facility investment all rose month-on-month in March, marking the first simultaneous growth in all three indicators since September. Industrial production edged up 0.3%, retail sales climbed 1.8%, and facility investment increased 1.5%. Semiconductor production fell 8.1% despite AI-driven global demand growth, while automobile and transportation equipment sectors drove overall manufacturing gains.
South Korea's key economic indicators showed positive momentum in March, with industrial output rising 0.3 percent, retail sales climbing 1.8 percent, and facility investment increasing 1.5 percent, all month-on-month gains, according to data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics.
