The UK CBI Distributive Trades Survey YoY sales volume index was mostly unchanged at -23% in February, up from -24% in January.

• Firms expect sales to be weaker in March with the index dropping to -30% for that month.
• Retail orders placed upon suppliers declined at a fast pace to start the year with the index at -38% in February and -43% in January). In March, orders are expected to be cut back even more with an index reading of -47%, a four year low.
• The retail sentiment index remained weak at -19%, but slightly better than the -21% reading in November 2024.

• Retail investment is expected to decline at the greatest rate since May 2019 with that index down to -56% in February from -27% in November 2024.
• Retail employment remains in a downtrend and is expected to remain weak next month with February and March readings of -13% and -15% respectively (though both are above -18% in November 2024).
• Retail sales inflation remains below its long-run average of 41% with readings of 25% in both February and March.