Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

Retail volumes rose by 0.6 percent in April to stand 5.9 percent higher on the year.

Does this mean there was an increase of 0.6 percent from March to April, and a 5.9 percent increase in a 12 months period ending in April compared to the same period a year ago?

Thanks.

bmo

[asterix]

It means that there was a .6% increase in the month of April, but I'm not sure if it means there is a 5.9% increase in the year so far (January to April) or, as you suggest, in the 12 months ending in April.

[BMO]

Thanks. If it is only 0.6 a month, it is most likely a 5.9% for 12 months.

[bud]

Another possibilty is that it means from the start of the fiscal year. So if the fiscal year starts in July, and we have data through April, then the 5.9% would apply to the 10 months completed in the fiscal year.

[BMO]

That is also possible. Thanks.

bmo