Hong Kong's retail sales continued to regain momentum last month on stronger consumer sentiment and rising tourist numbers - but the government is warning of uncertainty ahead. The value of sales in November was up 4.1 per cent year on year, after growth of 1.4 per cent in October signalled an end to months of falling sales amid economic uncertainty and Beijing's crackdown on graft and conspicuous consumption. The revival coincided with the height of the Occupy Central pro-democracy movement, and came despite dire warnings that the street blockades, cleared earlier this month, would be ruinous for the economy. "Consumer sentiment appeared to have turned more stable, and the notable growth in inbound tourism in that month also provided support," a government spokesman said. But future growth would depend on the labour market, wages and tourism, he added. "We also need to stay alert to the unsteady external environment and the uncertainties associated with the changing pattern of tourist spending." Consumer durables was the best performing sector with year-on-year growth of 14.6 per cent as sales of the new iPhone 6 models remained strong. Sales of miscellaneous durable goods, including smartphones, grew 35.4 per cent, according to Census and Statistics Department figures. Medicine and cosmetics sales grew 10.3 per cent. Department store sales rose 4.9 per cent and supermarket takings were up 3.5 per cent. But the jewellery, watches and valuable gifts category - long the biggest drag on the figures - continued to slump, although only by 2 per cent, after an 11.6 per cent fall in October. High-end goods were popular with mainland tourists, but President Xi Jinping's anti-graft drive has dampened their enthusiasm. Spending on fuel fell 4.4 per cent amid slumping global oil prices. Tourism Board figures for October show that visitor numbers from the mainland rose 18.3 per cent year on year to more than four million, offsetting a small decline in the number of overseas visitors. Government sources expect a year-on-year increase for last month. The Retail Management Association said the improved picture had continued this month. It expects sales growth to be in mid-to-high single figures. Dr Terence Chong Tai-leung, a Chinese University economist, said taxi drivers, caterers and some retailers had suffered during Occupy, and that could have a mild effect on growth next year. The return of tourists suggested the political movement's impact was limited and short term, he added. But political tension would affect Beijing's policies and have an impact on growth in the long term. Meanwhile, the Trade Development Council said strong Christmas sales overseas pointed to an improved export picture. The government last month revised its forecast for gross domestic product growth this year down to 2.2 per cent.