The UK retail sales are expected to rise 0.4% over the month in June as warm weather and the English squad proceeding in the World Cup into the semi-final boosted beer consumption and general happiness. The core retail sales excluding motor fuel sales are expected to increase 0.3% m/m in June, the Office for National Statistics is expected to report on Thursday at 8:30 GMT. Total retail sales are set to boost the economic growth in the second quarter after the exceptionally weak performance during the first three months of this year. While the average total retail sales growth rate in the first quarter of this year ... (full story)