Retail Sales in Hungary

Hungary's retail sales measure the volume of goods sold by retail outlets, including food. Published by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), they are one of the most relevant indicators for tracking household consumption.

They are built from a survey of a broad sample of retailers on their turnover, from which an index against a base year is constructed. They are released in volume (deflated) terms, calendar-adjusted, with a year-on-year change and a seasonally adjusted month-on-month change.

They give an early read on private consumption, the largest component of Hungary's GDP, making them an input for growth estimates and for the policy of the National Bank of Hungary (MNB) and the forint (HUF).

It is a volatile indicator, sensitive to seasonal factors, promotions and the calendar. Preliminary data are revised as more survey responses arrive, and it does not capture spending on services.