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 >
U.S. retail sales
Retail sales rise as American consumers stay resilient
Retail sales rose by 0.4% in April following two consecutive months of declines, the Commerce Department reported on Tuesday. While the top-line number came out lower than expected, spending on retail goods continued to show an underlying strength in April. The data should support the ... READ MORE >
Retail sales and producer inflation fell in February
Retail sales dropped in February after surging in January, while producer inflation fell unexpectedly on the month, signaling easing demand pressures. Still, looking underneath the top-line numbers and through seasonal fluctuations, spending at retail stores remained solid. Wednesday’s ... READ MORE >
Retail sales post strong gains in January, though it may not last
Retail sales in the United States posted a stronger-than-expected rebound in January after two straight holiday months of disappointing declines. Sales increased by 3.0% on the month and by 2.3% if automobiles are excluded, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Evan after controlling for ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales and producer inflation fall as spending weakens
Retail sales and producer inflation data came in lower than expected in December, giving the Federal Reserve more reasons to begin to slow down its rate hikes. Sales at retail stores and online showed broad declines in the last month of the year, dropping by 1.1%. November's number was also ... READ MORE >
Retail sales surge, easing recession fears for now
Retail sales data surged in October as holiday shopping started early for the second year in a row. The strong month, which followed a flat month in September, suggested that, at least for now, a recession was not at hand. Sales grew by a stronger-than-expected 1.3% with broad-based increases. Nine of ... READ MORE >
Retail sales stay flat as inflation remains elevated
American consumer spending was unchanged in September, held back mainly by auto and gasoline sales as prices at the pump and auto dealers fell on the month, the Commerce Department reported on Friday. The data was not adjusted for inflation. With inflation controlled for, sales volume was also flat ... READ MORE >
Retail sales rebound on strong autos spending
Retail sales in the United States rose by 0.3%, in August, driven by a sharp rise in spending on automobiles, according to Commerce Department data released on Thursday. But after adjusting for inflation, real retail sales growth was flat on the month, following the strong rebound of 0.8% in ... 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 >
Retail sales rebounded in June amid elevated inflation
Retail sales posted solid growth in June yet likely failed to offset sky-high inflation for the second straight month, government data showed on Friday. Most of the increases came from higher gasoline prices in the first half of June, not stronger demand. Retail sales rose by 1.0% in June before ... READ MORE >