Japan data - August retail sales +4.8% m/m (expected +2.4%)

The sales tax hike is coming up in October, not sure if this is buying ahead of that?

Good size improvements for this month

+ 4.8% m/m

• expected 2.4%, prior was -2.3%

+2.0% y/y

• expected 0.7%, prior was -2.0%

more to come