Colombian retail sales fall in April

BOGOTA
Colombian retail sales and manufacturing activity both declined in April, marking one of the most powerful signs yet that the country's robust economy is beginning to see some wear and tear
Retail sales declined 2.8% in April while industrial output slipped 1.6%, the government's statistics agency DANE said in a statement Wednesday
The data compare to a 5.1% year-on-year rise in retail sales in March and a 0.9% year-on-year decrease in March's industrial output
The April fall in retail sales was led by an 8.1% drop in sales of home appliances and furnishings.
For several years, Colombia has had a strong economy, with annual growth rates averaging about 5%, led by rising oil production and a growing middle class
Officials say growth in economic activity this year could again reach around 5%, but have warned that the effects of the European debt crisis and its impact on the global and local economy is not yet known