Economic Buzz: Australia retail sales down 0.1 percent in April

Australian retail sales slipped 0.1 percent in April, missing the expected 0.3 percent rise and marking the first fall since December. Sharp declines were seen in clothing, footwear, personal accessories and department stores, both down 2.5 percent. Food sales dropped 0.3 percent. Gains came from cafes, restaurants, household goods and other retailing. Sales fell in most states but rose in Queensland and Western Australia. Annual growth slowed to 3.8 percent from 4.3 percent in March.

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