Statistics Canada released retail sales data on Friday. Canadian retail sales rose by 0.6% in June, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.9% increase in May. May's figure was revised down from a 1.0% gain.

The rise was driven by higher sales at gasoline stations and at electronics and appliance stores. Sales at gasoline stations climbed 2.6% in June, while sales at electronics and appliance stores jumped 9.4%.

Sales at food and beverage stores were flat in June, while motor vehicle and parts sales were down 0.1%.

Sales rose in 8 of 11 subsectors.

Canadian retail sales excluding automobiles were up 0.8% in June, beating expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 0.8% gain in May. May's figure was revised down from a 0.9% rise.