Consumer spending growth had changed little (Chart 1). Growth in retail sales values had been broadly steady, but within that there was downward pressure on sales of furniture and homewares. In addition, the market for new cars remained challenging. Consumer services turnover growth continued to be helped by strong growth in inbound tourist spending, though there were some signs of a softening in discretionary spend by domestic consumers. Growth in business services turnover had picked up slightly, but remained moderate (Chart 2). Growth was supported by an increase in mergers and acquisitions activity, property ... (full story)