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11.22am BST
The CBI surveyed 62 retail chains, as well as 55 wholesalers and 16 car retailers. Wholesalers reported the fourth consecutive month of falling sales and orders, though at a slower pace than last month. Both sales and orders are expected to worsen again next month.
Motor traders reported growth in sales in the year to July, the first increase since February, with the balance jumping to +18% from -80%, but expect a return to negative territory next month (-10%).
11.18am BST
The CBI survey showed that shoppers bought more food and drink this month, but sales of hardware and DIY products and other things such as cards, flowers and stationery also returned to growth.
Although most other retailers – for example clothing, footwear and department stores – continued to report significant declines, in some cases falls were less severe than in recent months.
Source: Gold eases from new $1,980 record as dollar lifts ahead of Fed meeting – business live
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