Canadian retail sales increased 0.3 per cent on a monthly basis in July, and were 3.7 per cent higher on a year-over-year basis. Retail strength was broad based with sales up in 8 of 11 sub-sectors representing 55 per cent of total retail trade. In BC, consumer spending continues to weaken as retail sales declined 0.5 per cent on a monthly basis and were just 1.2 per cent higher year-over-year. 

Canadian inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), registered 2.8 per cent in the 12 months to August following a 3 per cent increase in prices in July. The Bank of Canada's three measures of trend inflation all increased in August and average 2.1 per cent.   In BC, provincial consumer price inflation was 2.9 per cent in the 12 months to August.  With inflation trending higher in recent months, the Bank of Canada is almost certain to raise its overnight rate at its next meeting in October.