U.S. shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices
7 months, 1 week ago

U.S. shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month by the most in a year and a half, easing concerns that the economy might be weakening under the pressure of higher prices and elevated interest rates. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales jumped 1% from June to July, the biggest such increase since January 2023, after having declined slightly the previous month. The July retail sales data provided reassurance that the U.S. economy, while slowing under the pressure of high interest rates, remains resilient. And excluding gas station sales, which don’t reflect Americans’ appetite for spending, retail purchases also rose 1%. Upper-income households have Auto sales jumped 3.6% last month, the largest increase since January 2023, a sign that rising inventories of cars on dealer lots are boosting purchases.

Retail Inflation Sales Spending Month Shoppers Sharply Prices Americans  spending  retailers  reported  sales  boosted  inflation  shoppers  sharply  higher  despite  month  stores  rose  prices  americans  retail

History of this topic

U.S. retail sales weaker than expected as consumer health under scrutiny
1 week, 3 days ago

U.S. retail sales weaker than expected as consumer health under scrutiny

Raw Story  

US retail sales logged smaller gains than expected in February according to government data released Monday, edging up from an earlier decline with all eyes on consumer spending strength amid growing worries of a recession. President Donald Trump's economic policies -- which so far include sweeping tariff hikes and sharp cuts to the federal government -- have also bogged down …

US shoppers increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy rises
Trending News
1 week, 4 days ago

US shoppers increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy rises

Hindustan Times  

WASHINGTON — US shoppers stepped up their spending a just bit in February after a sharp pullback the previous month, signaling that Americans are shopping more cautiously as concerns about the direction of the economy mount. US shoppers increased spending tepidly last month as anxiety over the economy rises Retail sales rose just 0.2% in February, a small rebound after …

Retail sales came in weaker than expected, another bad sign for the US economy
1 week, 4 days ago

Retail sales came in weaker than expected, another bad sign for the US economy

CNN  

Washington CNN — Spending at US retailers last month was much weaker than expected, in a troubling sign that the American shopper could be starting to tap out. Monday’s report, however, wasn’t all bad news: Excluding sales at gas stations, car dealerships, of building materials and at restaurants — referred to as the “control group” — retail spending rose 1% …

US Consumers Cut Spending In January More Drastically Than At Any Point In The Last Four Years
3 weeks, 6 days ago

US Consumers Cut Spending In January More Drastically Than At Any Point In The Last Four Years

Huff Post  

Consumer Spending via Associated Press WASHINGTON — U.S. consumers cut back sharply on spending last month, the most since February 2021, even as inflation declined, though stiff tariffs threatened by the White House could disrupt that progress. Inflation spiked in 2022 to its highest level in four decades, propelling President Donald Trump to the White House and causing the Federal …

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices
Trending News
3 months ago

Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices

Associated Press  

Sales rose this year during the holiday shopping season even as Americans wrestled with elevated prices for many groceries and other necessities, according to new data. Holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, outpacing the 3.1% increase from a year earlier, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit …

We spent more on restaurants and clothing over the holidays, Mastercard says
3 months ago

We spent more on restaurants and clothing over the holidays, Mastercard says

Salon  

Retail sales over the holiday season increased 3.8% over last year as people visited restaurants and purchased clothes and jewelry, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks payments. The NRF will release a broader picture next month of how Americans are spending, with two months of statistics from the Commerce Department that show sales in November and December. Holiday shoppers planned …

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health
3 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales rose at healthy pace last month in latest sign of U.S. economy’s health

LA Times  

Consumers stepped up their spending at retail stores last month, providing a boost to the economy in the early phases of the winter holiday shopping season. Retail sales rose 0.7% in November, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, a solid increase and higher than October’s 0.5% gain. Analysts envisioned a solid holiday shopping season, though perhaps not as robust as last …

US consumer price increases accelerated last month with inflation pressures resilient
4 months ago

US consumer price increases accelerated last month with inflation pressures resilient

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Consumer price increases accelerated last month, the latest sign that inflation’s steady decline over the past two years has stalled in recent months. According to the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, consumer prices rose 2.3% in October from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Yet excluding the volatile food and energy categories, so-called “core” prices also …

US economy grows at 2.8% pace in third quarter on consumer spending, unchanged from first estimate
Trending News
4 months ago

US economy grows at 2.8% pace in third quarter on consumer spending, unchanged from first estimate

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The American economy expanded at a healthy 2.8% annual pace from July through September on strong consumer spending and a surge in exports, the government said Wednesday, leaving unchanged its initial estimate of third-quarter growth. Still, American voters — exasperated by high prices — were unimpressed by the steady growth and chose this month to return Donald Trump …

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree
4 months ago

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW YORK: US shoppers are coming out in force this holiday season, but the festiveness is being tempered by inflationary pressures that have abated but not completely faded. Americans are "ready to open their wallets this holiday season," said the Conference Board ahead of Black Friday -- the day after Thanksgiving, which this year, falls on November 28 -- that …

Americans continue to spend despite naming the economy and inflation as top election concerns
4 months, 1 week ago

Americans continue to spend despite naming the economy and inflation as top election concerns

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Americans stepped up their …

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
4 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month in the latest sign that healthy consumer spending is driving the economy’s steady growth. Retail sales rose 0.4% from September to October, the Commerce Department said Friday, a solid increase though less than the previous month’s robust 0.8% gain. “People may not love how much it costs to go …

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
4 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their spending at retailers last month in the latest sign that healthy consumer spending is driving the economy’s steady growth. Retail sales rose 0.4% from September to October, the Commerce Department said Friday, a solid increase though less than the previous month’s robust 0.8% gain. Sales in some categories fell — furniture stores, clothing outlets and drug …

Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy
5 months, 1 week ago

Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. One key reason is a relatively simple one: Wealthier …

U.S. shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth
5 months, 1 week ago

U.S. shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth

LA Times  

Americans stepped up their purchases at retailers last month as low unemployment, steady pay gains and rising stock and home values helped sustain their willingness to spend despite higher prices. The retail sales figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, and the prices of goods fell slightly last month. Thursday’s retail sales report arrives amid expectations for a solid holiday shopping season, …

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence
6 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy British retailers saw sales rise …

U.S. retail sales ticked up last month in sign of ongoing consumer resilience
6 months, 1 week ago

U.S. retail sales ticked up last month in sign of ongoing consumer resilience

LA Times  

Americans spent a bit more at retailers last month, providing a small boost to the economy just as the Federal Reserve considers how much to cut its key interest rate. Retail sales ticked up 0.1% from July to August, after jumping the most in a year and a half the previous month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Average paychecks, particularly …

This Week: Consumer price index, retail sales, housing starts
7 months, 2 weeks ago

This Week: Consumer price index, retail sales, housing starts

Associated Press  

A look at some of the key business events and economic indicators upcoming this week. Economists predict the consumer price index rose 3% in July from as year earlier, matching June’s pace. Consumer price index, annual percent change, not seasonally adjusted: Feb. 3.2 March 3.5 April 3.4 May 3.3 June 3.0 July 3.0 Source: FactSet SIZING UP RETAIL SALES The …

American consumers feeling more confident in July as expectations of future improve
7 months, 3 weeks ago

American consumers feeling more confident in July as expectations of future improve

Associated Press  

American consumers felt more confident in July as expectations over the near-term future rebounded. “Even though consumers remain relatively positive about the labor market, they still appear to be concerned about elevated prices and interest rates, and uncertainty about the future; things that may not improve until next year,” said Dana Peterson, The Conference Board’s chief economist. The number of …

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Ongoing sales have boosted spending during a cost-of-living crisis. Will shoppers pay the price with an interest rate rise?

ABC  

Australia's struggling retail sector has been given a glimmer of hope, with rolling sales encouraging shoppers to spend — but economists warn that it may come with the price of another interest rate hike by the Reserve Bank. The recent jump in retail spending, boosted by clothing and footwear retailers offering big discounts and earlier-than-usual sales seasons, has increased expectations …

Retail sales rise a meager 0.1% in May from April as still high inflation curbs spending
9 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales rise a meager 0.1% in May from April as still high inflation curbs spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Consumers barely increased spending in May from April as still high prices on groceries and other necessities and high interest rates curbed spending. Earlier this month, the government reported that America’s employers added a robust 272,000 jobs in May, accelerating from April and an indicator that companies are still bullish enough in the economy to keep hiring …

Even high-income Americans are shopping at discount retailers as economic outlook sours
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Even high-income Americans are shopping at discount retailers as economic outlook sours

CNN  

A version of this story first appeared in CNN Business’ Before the Bell newsletter. While recognizing Tesla’s growth and profitability, ISS said Musk’s pay package — first approved in 2018 and thrown out by a judge in January — “was considered outsized from the start” and has “failed to accomplish certain of the board’s stated objectives,” including focusing Musk “more …

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more

NPR  

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more toggle caption Scott Olson/Getty Images After two years of paying more for things, Americans are growing more cautious about how they spend their money and are forcing retailers to offer more discounts. “It’s a cautious consumer,” said CEO Todd Vasos, describing Dollar General's typical shopper. That newfound caution …

Walmart’s business surges as shoppers hunt for low prices
10 months, 1 week ago

Walmart’s business surges as shoppers hunt for low prices

CNN  

New York CNN — Businesses from McDonald’s to Home Depot are struggling to attract financially strapped shoppers. Walmart said Thursday that sales at stores open at least a year increased 3.8% during its latest quarter from the same time last year. While low and middle-income shoppers have traditionally formed the core of Walmart’s customer base, Walmart also has grown with …

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending
10 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans unexpectedly paused their spending in April from March as inflation continued to sting and elevated interest rates made taking on debt more burdensome. Retail sales were unchanged, coming in well below economists’ expectations, and follow a revised 0.6% pace in March, according to Commerce Department data released Wednesday. The retail sales figure came out on the …

US growth slowed sharply last quarter to 1.6% pace, reflecting an economy pressured by high rates
11 months ago

US growth slowed sharply last quarter to 1.6% pace, reflecting an economy pressured by high rates

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The nation’s economy slowed sharply last quarter to a 1.6% annual pace in the face of high interest rates, but consumers — the main driver of economic growth — kept spending at a solid pace. Gregory Daco, chief economist at the tax and consulting firm EY, noted that the underlying economy looks solid, though it’s slowing from last …

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful
11 months, 1 week ago

Retail sales surge 0.7% in March as Americans seem unfazed by higher prices with jobs plentiful

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans boosted spending at a hotter-than-expected pace in March, underscoring how shoppers remain resilient despite inflationary pressures and other economic challenges. Retail sales rose 0.7% last month — almost double what economists had forecast — after rising 0.9% in February, according to Commerce Department data released Monday. This is one of the strongest retail sales reports we’ve …

US economy grew solid 3.2% in fourth quarter, a slight downgrade from government’s initial estimate
1 year, 1 month ago

US economy grew solid 3.2% in fourth quarter, a slight downgrade from government’s initial estimate

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. economy grew at a robust 3.2% annual pace from October through December, propelled by healthy consumer spending, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday in a slight downgrade from its initial estimate. U.S. growth has now topped 2% for six straight quarters, defying fears that high interest rates would tip the world’s largest economy into a recession. The …

America’s economy slowed—it probably won’t stumble
1 year, 1 month ago

America’s economy slowed—it probably won’t stumble

Live Mint  

The U.S. economy took a breather in January following brisk growth at the end of last year, but it remains fundamentally healthy. Technical issues with how the retail sales data was seasonally adjusted might have weighed on the reading, and cold weather in January likely had an impact on both retail sales and industrial production. Within the retail sales report, …

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
1 year, 2 months ago

Retail sales up strongly in December as Americans showed continued willingness to spend

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans stepped up their spending at retailers in December, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on an upbeat tone and signaling that people remain confident enough to keep spending freely. Higher energy and housing prices boosted overall U.S. inflation in December, a sign that the Federal Reserve’s drive to slow inflation to its 2% …

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy
1 year, 3 months ago

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy

NPR  

Holiday spending is up. Shoppers are confident, but not giddy Enlarge this image toggle caption Brandon Bell/Getty Images Brandon Bell/Getty Images Retail spending in the 2023 holiday season rose just over 3% year-over-year, marking a return to pre-pandemic consumer spending trends even as credit card debt is on the rise and federal student loan payments have kicked back in. Sponsor …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs
1 year, 3 months ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Holiday sales rose this year …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs
1 year, 3 months ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Holiday sales rose this year and spending remained resilient during the shopping season even with Americans wrestling with higher prices in some areas and other financial worries, according to the latest measure. This year’s sales are more in line with what is typical during the holiday season, however, after a surge in spending last year during the …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs
1 year, 3 months ago

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite financial anxiety, higher costs

LA Times  

Holiday sales rose in 2023 even as shoppers deal with still stubborn inflation in some areas as well as other financial worries, according to one measure. Holiday sales rose this year and spending remained resilient during the shopping season even with Americans wrestling with higher prices in some areas and other financial worries, according to one closely watched measure. This …

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas, not brakes on shopping, travel, restaurants
1 year, 3 months ago

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas, not brakes on shopping, travel, restaurants

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans picked up their spending from October to November unexpectedly as the unofficial holiday season kicked off, underscoring the power of shoppers despite elevated prices. “While consumers continue to face hurdles from higher borrowing costs, tighter credit conditions and elevated prices, a still-strong labor market, a positive trend in incomes and an easing in price pressures should …

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas rather than brakes on spending
1 year, 3 months ago

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas rather than brakes on spending

LA Times  

Despite elevated prices, consumers kicked off the holiday shopping season by keeping up their spending momentum, according to Commerce Department data released Thursday. Americans unexpectedly picked up their spending from October to November as the unofficial holiday season kicked off, underscoring the power of shoppers despite elevated prices. Yet the National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, still …

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much
1 year, 3 months ago

Black Friday deals this year did not get American customers to shop much

Live Mint  

It’s not just you. Walmart chief financial officer John David Rainey told investors in an earnings call earlier this month that the company saw a “sharper falloff" in consumer spending toward the end of October. That caution echoed throughout recent earnings reports from retailers ranging from Lowe’s Inc. to Target Corp. Consumers continued to spend this weekend, but they weren’t …

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation
1 year, 4 months ago

Behind Black Friday’s crowds lie stories of consumers squeezed by inflation

LA Times  

Months of punishing inflation have pushed East Hollywood resident Diane Roque to economize by canceling her family’s cable subscription and prioritizing cooking at home. “Now it’s very online-focused, and we’re really looking to see the online velocity surge on the major days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” said Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights. “They’re stretching out …

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges
1 year, 4 months ago

Retail sales slip in October as consumers pull back after summer splurges

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans cut back on retail spending in October, ending six straight months of gains, though the decline was partly driven by falling prices for both gasoline and cars. Retail sales fell 0.1% last month after jumping a strong 0.9% in September, according to a report released Wednesday by the Commerce Department. Most retail categories reported a drop …

After a summer of splurging, Americans start to pull back on spending
1 year, 4 months ago

After a summer of splurging, Americans start to pull back on spending

LA Times  

A customer browses the holiday lights at a store in Charlotte, N.C. Economists forecast a slowdown in consumer spending in the final three months of the year, as credit card debt and deliquencies rise, and average savings fall. Consumer spending jumped in the July-September quarter, but economists forecast it will slow in the final three months of the year, as …

Shoppers’ holiday spending is expected to top $957 billion, a record amount
1 year, 4 months ago

Shoppers’ holiday spending is expected to top $957 billion, a record amount

LA Times  

Customers shop at a Nathan & Co. store in Oakland in 2022. This year’s holiday spending is expected to beat last year’s record spending of $929.5 billion. The National Retail Federation, an industry trade group, said holiday spending is forecast to reach record levels this year — up 3% to 4% from last year. Business Despite higher prices, American shoppers …

US consumers keep spending despite high prices and their own gloomy outlook. Can it last?
1 year, 4 months ago

US consumers keep spending despite high prices and their own gloomy outlook. Can it last?

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A flow of recent data from the U.S. government has made one thing strikingly clear: A surge in consumer spending is fueling strong growth, demonstrating a resilience that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls. On Thursday, the government said the economy accelerated at a 4.9% …

US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates
1 year, 5 months ago

US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An inflation gauge that is …

US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates
1 year, 5 months ago

US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve showed price increases remained elevated in September amid brisk consumer spending and strong economic growth. Taken as a whole, the figures the government issued Friday show a still-surprisingly resilient consumer, willing to spend briskly enough to power the economy even in the face of persistent inflation and …

US economy grows at its fastest rate in TWO YEARS after households splashed out on Taylor Swift concerts and Barbie tickets - but experts warn trend is finally starting to slow
1 year, 5 months ago

US economy grows at its fastest rate in TWO YEARS after households splashed out on Taylor Swift concerts and Barbie tickets - but experts warn trend is finally starting to slow

Daily Mail  

That is the highest growth in almost two years - spurred by consumer spending US GDP accelerated 4.9 percent in Q3, according to the Commerce Department The US economy grew last quarter at its fastest rate in nearly two years thanks to a surge in consumer spending. Consumer spending was up 4 percent, up from just 0.8 percent last quarter, …

Retail sales rise solid 0.7% in September, reflecting US shoppers’ resilience despite higher prices
1 year, 5 months ago

Retail sales rise solid 0.7% in September, reflecting US shoppers’ resilience despite higher prices

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans showed their steadfast resilience and kept spending online, at restaurants and other outlets in September even as they grappled with higher prices, rising interest rates and a host of other headwinds piling up. Tuesday’s sales figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, but the cost of goods barely rose last month, so the increased spending isn’t a reflection …

Retail sales up a solid 0.7% in September as American consumers defy rising prices, interest rates
1 year, 5 months ago

Retail sales up a solid 0.7% in September as American consumers defy rising prices, interest rates

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Despite higher prices, American shoppers keep spending
1 year, 5 months ago

Despite higher prices, American shoppers keep spending

LA Times  

A man looks at the Apple’s new iPhone 15 models last month in Los Angeles. A closely watched category of retail sales that excludes auto dealers, gas stations and building materials and feeds into the gross domestic product jumped 0.6% last month compared to the prior month. “Fed officials have another rate hike this year up on their forecast board, …

US consumer spending was weaker in the second quarter than previously estimated
1 year, 6 months ago

US consumer spending was weaker in the second quarter than previously estimated

CNN  

Washington, DC CNN — The Commerce Department’s final revision of second-quarter gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic output, showed that economic growth was unchanged from the second estimate, holding at an annualized rate of 2.1%. However, consumer spending, America’s economic engine, was revised much lower, to a 0.8% annualized rate, according to data released Thursday. The second quarter …

Discover Related