Poland's retail sales growth accelerated more than economists expected in May, data released by the statistical office showed Tuesday.
Retail sales volume increased 7.7 percent on an annual basis in May, notably faster than the 5.5 percent growth seen in April. Economists were looking for a 7.5 percent gain.
Sales of automobiles and parts advanced 7.2 percent annually during the month, while fuel sales climbed 12.6 percent. There was a 5.8 percent year-on-year gain in retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco products, and a 2.5 percent decline in clothing and footwear sales.
On a monthly basis, retail sales moved up 0.9 percent during the month, recovering from the previous month's 2.4 percent decrease, data showed.
Separately, the agency said Poland' unemployment rate decreased to 12.6 percent in May from 12.9 percent in April. Economists expected unemployment to remain unchanged from the previous month. In May 2011, the unemployment rate was 12.4 percent.
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