The value of retail sales rose to MOP15.77 billion (US$ 1.97 billion) in the second quarter from MOP15.71 billion in the first, official data show. Watches, clocks and jewellery accounted for 35 percent of all sales. Retail sales in the first half came to MOP31.48 billion, 21 percent more than a year earlier. Again, watches, clocks and jewellery made up the biggest component, about one-third of sales. The results of a Statistics and Census Service survey show about 18 percent of shopkeepers forecast that the third quarter will bring an increase in sales. About 69 percent of retailers expect prices to be unchanged in the third quarter.
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