Ominous economic conditions fueled by debt ceiling uncertainty and sticky inflation are taking a toll on consumer confidence while compelling consumer products companies to build resilience in pursuit of profitability. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment in May fell to 57.7 from ... READ MORE >
retail sales
Lower-than-expected retail sales raise recession probability
Retail sales dropped for the second month in a row in March as demand for goods and food services continued to ease, suggesting the end of the business cycle. If interest rate increases take six to 12 months to be felt in the economy—the accepted wisdom before the pandemic—then it is likely ... READ MORE >
Retail sales fall more than expected as spending and inflation cool
Retail sales in November posted the sharpest decline of the year, falling by 0.6% as shoppers pulled back from holiday spending, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. Early shopping in October and falling prices were important factors that contributed to the pullback, which exceeded analysts' ... READ MORE >
Retail sales unchanged amid sharp drop in gasoline prices
Retail sales stayed flat in July on the back of a sharp drop in gasoline prices and lower automobile sales, the U.S. Census Bureau reported on Wednesday. With inflation remaining largely unchanged in July, retail sales after being adjusted for inflation should also likely be flat on the month. Lower ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales fall as inflation takes a toll
U.S. retail sales declined in May as surges in energy and food prices forced consumers to reduce their spending on vehicles and other discretionary items. With inflation running hot, sales plunged on an inflation-adjusted basis, paring most of April's gains. That implies more headwinds to consumer ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales: A solid month of growth
American consumers continued to spend more at retail stores in April despite inflation as lower gasoline prices helped to boost spending on discretionary items. But it won't last long as gasoline prices reached a record high in May. Retail sales in the United States rose by 0.9% in April from a ... READ MORE >
Retail sales slow in March as inflation takes a toll
March’s retail sales posted weaker growth than forecast as red-hot inflation continued to drag sales volume lower, adding downside risks to our forecast for economic growth that might dip below 1% in the first quarter. The headline sales number increased by 0.5% on the month, according to Commerce ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales lag inflation in February amid rising energy prices
Retail sales growth fell behind inflation increases in February, posting a weak 0.3% increase, as growth slowed down in most categories except gasoline stations. Consumer rationing because of rising gasoline prices already took place before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Excluding sales at the gas ... READ MORE >
Chart of the day: Producer prices fall, but not for long
Producer prices for final goods decelerated sharply in February as price gains for services and construction slowed down. Producer prices increased by 0.8% on the month, down from a 1.2% increase in January while registering a 10% rise in back-to-back months compared to a year ago, the Bureau of Labor ... READ MORE >
Retail sales outpace inflation in January despite omicron surge
Inflation and the omicron surge did not deter American consumers from beginning the year on a strong note as retail sales rebounded sharply in January. Purchases at retail stores, restaurants and online rose 3.8%, outstripping inflation for the first time in three months, the Commerce Department ... READ MORE >