Retail sales lift across Tasman

Retail sales in Australia have rebounded from September, with a modest rise in October.

The seasonally adjusted Australian Bureau of Statistics figures estimate that Australians spent A$19.75 billion in retail outlets during October.

Department stores had the biggest increase in sales (1.9 per cent), but also had the biggest fall (-2.3 per cent) a month earlier.

Cafes, restaurants and takeaway food outlets also recorded 1.1 per cent sales growth, but food retailing slipped slightly, as did clothing and accessory sales.

Most Australian economists have attributed the modest sales growth to the end of Government cash stimulus payments and the rising level of interest rates.

- RADIO AUSTRALIA