UK February retail sales -0.4% vs -0.7% m/m expected

Latest data released by ONS - 27 March 2026 Prior +1.8%; revised to +2.0%Retail sales +2.5% vs +2.1% y/y expectedPrior +4.5%; revised to +4.8%Retail sales (ex autos, fuel) -0.4% vs -0.8% m/m expectedPrior +2.0%; revised to +2.2%Retail sales (ex autos, fuel) +3.4% vs +2.9% y/y expectedPrior +5.5%; revised to +5.9%The drop here isn't as bad as estimated, and… Prior +1.8%; revised to +2.0% Retail sales +2.5% vs +2.1% y/y expected Prior +4.5%; revised to +4.8% Retail sales (ex autos, fuel) -0. Prior +1.8%; revised to +2.0% Retail sales +2.5% vs +2.1% y/y expected Prior +4.5%; revised to +4.8% Retail sales (ex autos, fuel) -0.4% vs -0.8% m/m expected Prior +2.0%; revised to +2.2% Retail sales (ex autos, fuel) +3.4% vs +2.9% y/y expected Prior +5.5%; revised to +5.9% The drop here isn't as bad as estimated, and that comes despite a positive revision to the January figures. Despite the monthly drop… For traders, releases like this can quickly shift rate expectations, currency direction, index futures and broad risk sentiment. Watch follow-through, not just the first reaction: liquidity, volatility and confirmation across related assets usually tell the real story.