Japan retail sales fall short of expectations

Retail sales growth in Japan fell short of expectations. According to data from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, retail sales in November increased by 2.6 percent compared to the same period last year. Economists had expected a 3.7 percent growth in retail sales. The previous month's retail sales growth was revised up from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent. Retail sales fell by 1.1 percent on a monthly basis. The growth rate in retail sales in large stores in the same month was determined as 2.4 percent.