Statistics Canada released retail sales data on Friday. Canadian retail sales rose by 0.5% in July, in line with expectations, after a 0.4% increase in June. June's figure was revised down from a 0.6% gain.

The rise was driven by higher sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers and clothing and clothing accessories stores. Motor vehicle and parts sales rose 2.0% in July, while sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores climbed 2.5%.

Sales at gasoline stations declined 0.2% in July, while sales at electronics and appliance stores dropped 1.7%.

Sales at food and beverage stores were down 0.5% in July.

Sales rose in 6 of 11 subsectors.

Canadian retail sales excluding automobiles were flat in July, missing expectations for a 0.4% rise, after a 0.5% gain in June. June's figure was revised down from a 0.8% rise.