LVMH fourth-quarter sales beat expectations as China improves

By Helen Reid and Tassilo Hummel

PARIS, Jan 27 (Reuters) - LVMH LVMH.PA, the owner of Louis Vuitton and Tiffany, sold more goods than analysts expected in the fourth quarter, boosting hopes of a luxury sector rebound even as trade tensions, a weaker dollar and high gold prices hit its margins.

Total quarterly sales at the world's largest luxury group came in at 22.7 billion euros ($27.1 billion), up 1% on a like-for-like basis versus expectations of a 0.3% decline in a consensus forecast compiled by Visible Alpha.

The key fashion and leather division, which accounts for the bulk of profits, saw revenues fall by 3% when adjusted for currency swings, in line with expectations.

The French group reported signs of a return to growth in Asia, with domestic Chinese sales rising in the quarter, confirming a recovery it has flagged for several months.