Resilience not recession is the right "R" word to describe the American economy in December. Wednesday's data from the Commerce Department showed retail sales blowing past expectations while industrial production volume stayed solid. The upside surprises, together with a robust labor market, prompted ... READ MORE >
U.S. retail sales
U.S. retail sales grew by more than expected in November
Retail sales surprised to the upside in November as American consumers continued their robust spending. The gloomy holiday spending forecasts now seem to be out of the conversation. Instead, our estimate of billions in excess savings left on American households' balance sheets looks much more on point ... READ MORE >
Retail sales and producer inflation fall in October
Government data for October's retail sales and producer inflation has raised the probability of a soft landing by a significant margin. While sales slowed, the data came in higher than expected. When considered with an upward revision to September's reading, October's retail sales indicated ... READ MORE >
Retail sales top forecasts as American consumers stay resilient
U.S. retail sales surged above expectations in September, ending a robust quarter with a bang and raising the possibility that gross domestic product for the third quarter will be higher than expected. Fueled by a healthy level of excess savings--which is around $400 billion in our recent estimate—and ... READ MORE >
August retail sales and producer inflation show a hot summer finish
The U.S. economy ran hotter than expected in August even as the momentum in spending slowed down. Retail sales and producer inflation came in significantly higher than forecast, while initial jobless claims were lower than the market consensus. But the downward revisions to retail sales in the prior ... READ MORE >
Have consumers maxed out their spending?
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 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 >