What are retail sales figures? How shop spending moves the pound, euro and dollar
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
Retail sales figures show how much people spent in shops and online over a month. Because household spending is a big part of most economies, the numbers give an early read on how strong demand is, and currencies often move when they come out.
Who publishes them
In the UK the Office for National Statistics publishes monthly retail sales. In the US the Census Bureau publishes the monthly retail sales report, and Eurostat publishes retail trade figures for the euro area.
How to read them
- Look at the change on the month and on the year, not just the level.
- Compare the result with what economists expected; the surprise is what markets react to.
- Check figures that strip out volatile items such as fuel or cars.
- Watch for revisions to last month's number, which can change the picture.
Why currencies react
Strong spending can push prices up, which may lead a central bank to keep interest rates higher for longer. Higher expected rates tend to support a currency, while weak spending can do the opposite.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms let customers hold GBP, EUR and USD and exchange between them at a fee the platform owner sets, powered by licensed partners. SendPay doesn't offer trading.
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Build my platform →Questions people ask
What is the consumer price index?
A measure of how the prices people pay change over time.
Consumer price index →How do interest rates affect exchange rates?
Higher expected rates tend to make a currency more attractive.
Rates and currencies →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.