TORONTO – The Canadian dollar was slightly higher Tuesday as data showed that retail sales in Canada rose by 0.6 per cent during July to $40.3 billion.

The loonie was ahead 0.03 of a cent at 97.26 cents US as the report met economists’ expectations.

Statistics Canada said the advance in retail sales was led by a 3.2 per cent rise in sales at gasoline stations.

This was the third consecutive month of higher sales at gasoline stations.

Sales of motor vehicles and parts dealers dropped by 0.6 per cent in July following six, straight monthly gains.

The currency also rose as commodity prices lost ground.

Oil prices fell to fresh, six-week lows as fears of a U.S.-led military attack on Syria faded.

The November crude contract on the New York Mercantile Exchange lost 79 cents to US$102.80 a barrel. Oil has dropped more than six per cent since closing at a two-year high of $110.53 on Sept. 6.

Metal prices also fell back with December copper down four cents to US$3.26 a pound.

December bullion faded $10.60 to US$1,316.40 an ounce.