Sales were boosted by gains at food and beverage retailers, motor vehicle and parts dealers
Preliminary data signals a slowdown to end 2024
Despite stronger inflation, jobs, BoC may still cut rates
Higher crude costs drive raw material, industrial product prices
Credit card balances surge, mortgage debt climbs
Provinces may have to step up, with Parliament prorogued: Desjardins
Sales were down 3.3% from December
Foreign investors increase exposure to Canada, domestic investors add to U.S. holdings: StatCan
Without the GST tax break, the annual inflation rate would have accelerated to 2.7%: StatCan
Lower rates needed to offset demographic, financial headwinds