March retail sales data from the UK surprised the market on the upside, showing a clear rebound following a weak February. Retail sales volume rose by 0.7% month-over-month, well above the consensus forecast of no change, following a downwardly revised 0.6% decline in February.
On a quarterly basis, sales rose by as much as 1.6% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, a solid result driven primarily by non-food retailers—including art galleries, cosmetics stores, and electronics retailers—which reported new product launches. The main driver of March’s growth was gas stations, where retailers noted increased fuel purchases by drivers in response to rising prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Excluding fuel, sales also rose, albeit more modestly—by 0.2% m/m—supported by stronger clothing sales due to improved weather and new product launches in the telecommunications segment and among online retailers. Online sales rose by 2.4% month-over-month, and their share of total retail sales increased from 28.2% in February to 28.7% in March. It is worth noting, however, that sales volumes remain 0.1% below the pre-pandemic level of February 2020. Source: ONS
Detailed information:
- Sales including fuel (MoM): 0.7% (forecast: 0.0%; previous: -0.4%; revision: -0.6%)
- Sales including fuel (year-over-year): 1.7% (forecast: 1.1%; previous: 2.5%; revision: 1.8%)
- Retail sales excluding fuel (MoM): 0.2% (forecast: 0.0%; previous: -0.4%; revision: -0.6%)
- Sales excluding fuel (year-over-year): 1.7% (forecast: 2.0%; previous: 3.4%; revision: 2.7%)
GBP halts its rise against the USD following the release of data. Source: xStation
⚡ Will US drought fuel speculative grain volatility on CBOT?
🔴Three markets to watch next week: all eyes on the Fed (24.04.2026)
BREAKING: US Department of Justice Drops Probe Against Powell❗️Dollar slides along bond yields 📉
US Open: Nasdaq surges as semiconductor stocks improve sentiments on Wall Street
The material on this page does not constitute as financial advice and does not take into account your level of understanding, investment objectives, financial situation or any other particular needs.
All the information provided, including opinions, market research, mathematical results and technical analyses published on the website or transmitted to you by other means is provided for information purposes only and should in no event be interpreted as an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument, nor should the information provided be construed as advice of legal or fiscal nature.
Any investment decisions you make shall be based exclusively on your level of understanding, investment objectives, financial situation or any other particular needs. Any decision to act on information published on the website or transmitted to you by other means is entirely at your own risk. You are solely responsible for such decisions.
If you are in doubt or are not sure that you understand a particular product, instrument, service, or transaction, you should seek professional or legal advice before trading.
Investing in OTC Derivatives carries a high degree of risk, as they are leveraged based products and often small movements in the market could lead to much larger movements in the value of your investment and this could work against you or for you. Please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved, taking into account your investments objectives and level of experience, before trading, and if necessary, seek independent advice.
