Statistics Canada released retail sales data on Friday. Canadian retail sales plunged by 0.5% in September, missing expectations for a 0.2% gain, after a 0.5% increase in August.

The decline was mainly driven by lower sales at gasoline stations. Sales at gasoline stations declined 3.7% in September.

Motor vehicle and parts sales decreased 0.5% in September, while sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were down 1.2%.

Sales at food and beverage stores were up 0.1% in September.

Sales fell in 8 of 11 subsectors.

Canadian retail sales excluding automobiles dropped 0.5% in September, missing expectations for a 0.2% decline, after a flat reading in August.