Canada Feb Retail Sales Miss but Broad Gains, March Momentum Bolster CAD

Canada's February retail sales rose 0.7% m/m to CAD 72.1B, missing 0.9% expectations despite broad gains in seven of nine subsectors and core sales up 0.6%. Initial data showed ex-autos +0.5% versus 0.8% forecast, with January figures revised higher to +1.2% headline and +1.0% ex-autos, while a March advance estimate indicates +0.6% growth. Latest details highlight motor vehicle sales +1.0% (used vehicles +4.0%) and volume +0.3%, but e-commerce dipped 0.6%; the mixed signal modestly supports CAD amid price-driven momentum and softening discretionary spending, prompting swing opportunities in US Dollar vs Canadian Dollar.