Statistics Canada released retail sales today. Retail sales in Canada climbed 1.1% in June, exceeding expectations for a 0.6% rise, after a 0.9% increase in May. May's figure was revised up from a 0.7% gain. That was the sixth straight increase in six months.

Retail sales excluding automobiles rose 1.5% in June, beating forecast of a 0.6% gain, after a 0.3% increase in May. May's figure was revised up from a 0.1% rise.