【环球财经】消费回升难掩结构性疲弱 新加坡零售动能面临回落压力

Core Viewpoint - Singapore's retail sales showed a year-on-year increase of 1.4% and a month-on-month increase of 1.0% in May, marking one of the strongest monthly performances of the year, driven primarily by a rebound in automobile sales, although non-automotive retail remains weak [1][2]. Group 1: Retail Sales Performance - The increase in retail sales was largely attributed to a significant rebound in automobile sales, which rose by 10.4% year-on-year, supported by an increase in the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quota [1]. - Excluding automobiles, retail sales remained flat year-on-year in May, marking the lowest level since February, with a growth of only 0.8% in April [1]. - Non-essential consumer sectors are still experiencing declines, with clothing and footwear sales down 5.3% year-on-year, and department store sales down 3.9% [1]. Group 2: Monthly and Yearly Trends - The month-on-month growth of 1.0% in May was almost entirely driven by automobile sales; without this segment, overall retail sales would have declined by 0.6% [2]. - Year-to-date retail sales growth for the first five months of 2025 is at 1.0%, lower than the growth rates of 1.4% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2023, indicating a sluggish retail environment [2]. Group 3: Employment and Economic Factors - The employment market is under pressure, with only 2,400 net new jobs added in Q1 2025, significantly lower than the 7,700 jobs added in Q4 2024, and the unemployment rate increased from 1.9% to 2.1% [2][3]. - Consumer confidence is further impacted by a decrease in companies planning to raise wages, dropping to 21.2% from 21.7% [3]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The retail sector is expected to face growth challenges in the second half of the year, despite potential short-term boosts from government-issued vouchers aimed at stimulating domestic demand [3]. - Global policy risks, particularly the potential for unilateral tariffs from the U.S. on Singapore, could further strain the retail environment and consumer confidence [3].