Japan's retail sales disappointed investors' expectations in June, rising by just 1.5% on an annual basis to land at ¥12.48 billion, compared to the projected 2.8% increase, according to a preliminary report released on Friday by the country's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.
On a monthly basis, the sales value went down by 1.6%. The total value of commercial sales amounted to ¥48.62 billion, with 6.2% more goods sold compared to June 2021.
Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted value of sales in the wholesale industry reached ¥36.14 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 8%.