-->Today the German retailers’ association HDE lowered its sales forecast
from a drop of 0.5-0.75% to a drop of 1% for the year, due to oil
prices and the post-election mess. HDE says the Federal
Statistical Office is probably making a mistake when it shows
retail sales up 1.4% in the first half."We cannot comprehend
the readings of [the statistic office] Destatis, because they are
not supported by our broad information and experience in the
sector."