2012.05.30 06:02:03 MARKET TALK: HK Apr Retail Sales Likely +16.3% By Value On-Yr-Poll

0402 GMT [Dow Jones] PREVIEW: Hong Kong April retail sales likely rose 16.3% on-year by value, easing from March's 17.3% increase, according to a median forecast of five economists polled by Dow Jones Newswires. By volume, retail sales likely rose 12.8% on-year in April, down from a 13.4% rise in March, the poll shows. Economists say a cloudy global economic outlook hurt consumer confidence. "The lingering euro-zone concerns and depressed stock market are beginning to dampen shoppers' appetite. Fortunately, (visitors buying) remains rock solid, buffering the city's retail sector with double-digit growth," ANZ senior economist Raymond Yeung says. The government is scheduled to release the data Thursday 0830 GMT. (chester.yung@dowjones.com) Contact us in Singapore. 65 64154 140; MarketTalk@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires May 30, 2012 00:02 ET (04:02 GMT)