Statistics Canada released retail sales data on Friday. Canadian retail sales increased by 0.4% in November, beating expectations for a 0.1% gain, after a flat reading in October.

The increase was driven by promotions such as Black Friday and cold weather. M clothing and clothing accessories sales rose 5.2% in November, while electronic and appliance stores sales gained 4.6%.

Motor vehicles and parts dealers, food and beverage stores and gasoline stations sales fell slightly in November.

Canadian retail sales excluding automobiles increased 0.7% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 0.1% gain in October. October's figure was revised down from a 0.2% increase.