Retail sales have continued to grow as consumers take advantage of lower interest rates and the benefits of personal tax cuts, according to data released on Wednesday.

Retail trade sales at constant (2000) prices increased by 6.8 percent in the three months up to November 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, Statistics SA said on Wednesday.

Similarly, retail trade sales at constant (2000) prices, for the period January to November 2005, increased by 6.5 percent compared with the period January to November 2004.

Retail trade sales at constant (2000) prices, for November 2005, increased by 8.1 percent compared with November 2004.

Retail trade sales at current prices, for the three months up to November 2005, increased by 11.2 percent compared with the three months up to November 2004.

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SA's official statistics body produces a number of key indicators, including monthly inflation and quarterly GDP figures, unemployment and population counts.

ECONOMY UPDATE Business expectations remain positive Manufacturing output up 6.2% Retail sales increase Pension fund assets exceed R1-trillion Business confidence at record high Net reserves climb to $18.7bn Govt to spend R372bn on infrastructure Jan house price growth at 14.9% Interest rates unchanged Strong new vehicle sales Manufacturing hit by strong rand SA hotels boost occupancy levels Economic growth creating jobs Producer inflation rises Inflation dampens rate cut hopes