U.S. shoppers sharply boosted spending at retailers in July despite higher prices
4 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.

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History of this topic

US consumer price increases accelerated last month with inflation pressures resilient
3 weeks, 6 days 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
3 weeks, 6 days 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
1 month 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 …

Retail sales up solidly in October as Americans showed continued willingness to spend
1 month, 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
1 month, 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 …

U.S. shoppers spent more at retailers last month in latest sign consumers are driving growth
2 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
3 months 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
3 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
4 months, 1 week 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
4 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?
5 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
6 months 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 …

Discounting is back in fashion, as Americans get tired of paying more
6 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 …

Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending
7 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
7 months, 4 weeks 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
8 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
9 months, 3 weeks 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
10 months, 1 week 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
11 months, 1 week 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% …

Americans ramped up spending during the holidays despite some financial anxiety and higher costs
11 months, 4 weeks 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 …

Retail sales rise 0.3% in November as Americans hit gas, not brakes on shopping, travel, restaurants
1 year 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 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 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 1 month 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, 2 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, 2 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, 2 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, …

Retail sales rise 0.6% in August largely due to a spike in gas prices
1 year, 3 months ago

Retail sales rise 0.6% in August largely due to a spike in gas prices

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans stepped up retail spending modestly from July to August as the price of gasoline jumped, cutting into budgets as many families send their kids off to school. Retail sales rose 0.6% in August, compared with a revised 0.5% increase in July, according to a report issued by the Commerce Department on Thursday. The big rise in …

Fed’s preferred inflation gauge shows a modest rise in latest sign of slowing price increases
1 year, 3 months ago

Fed’s preferred inflation gauge shows a modest rise in latest sign of slowing price increases

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — An inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve remained low last month, adding to signs of cooling price increases and raising the likelihood that the Fed will leave interest rates unchanged when it next meets in late September. Some economists noted that the increase in year-over-year inflation rates underscored Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s message in a high-profile …

Retail sales rose solidly last month in a sign that consumers are still spending freely
1 year, 4 months ago

Retail sales rose solidly last month in a sign that consumers are still spending freely

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans increased their purchases at retailers last month – for clothing, dining out, online goods and other areas – in a sign that solid consumer spending is still powering a resilient U.S. economy. Analysts noted that spending on Amazon Prime Day, the online juggernaut’s big two-day sales event that took place earlier last month, also helped boost …

Consumers keep spending freely, powering a resilient economy
1 year, 4 months ago

Consumers keep spending freely, powering a resilient economy

LA Times  

Items are displayed in a boutique along Tennyson Street in Denver. Americans increased their purchases at retailers last month — for clothing, dining out, online goods and other items — in a sign that solid consumer spending is still powering a resilient U.S. economy. Analysts noted that spending on Amazon Prime Day, the online juggernaut’s big two-day sales event that …

Retail inflation surges to 7.44% in July
1 year, 4 months ago

Retail inflation surges to 7.44% in July

The Hindu  

Retail inflation resurged in July to hit 7.44% from 4.87% in June, with consumers facing a sharp 11.5% spike in food prices. Wholesale prices Wholesale prices remained in deflationary mode for the fourth month in a row in July, but prices of food and primary articles spiked by over 7.5%, narrowing the overall price dip sharply to -1.36% from the …

The US economy grew stronger than expected in the second quarter, but consumers are pulling back
1 year, 4 months ago

The US economy grew stronger than expected in the second quarter, but consumers are pulling back

CNN  

Washington CNN — The US economy picked up steam in the second quarter despite punishing rate hikes and still-high inflation, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of economic output, grew at just a 1.6% rate in the second quarter, down sharply from a 4.2% rate in the first three months of the year. “In …

Americans bump up spending in June as inflation eases in a strong jobs market
1 year, 5 months ago

Americans bump up spending in June as inflation eases in a strong jobs market

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans increased their spending last month as inflation eased in many areas, and the job market remained remarkably strong. That gave companies “abnormal power to push up prices’’ and pass higher costs along to consumers – clout they hadn’t had for decades, Simon MacAdam, senior global economist at Capital Economics, wrote last month. Conagra Brands, which makes …

Retail sales rose 0.3% in May despite pressure from higher inflation and interest rates
1 year, 6 months ago

Retail sales rose 0.3% in May despite pressure from higher inflation and interest rates

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans increased their spending at retailers last month despite pressure from still-high inflation and rising borrowing costs. Thursday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that retail sales rose 0.3% from April to May, boosted by stronger sales of auto and parts dealers. The latest retail sales data follow a government report this week that consumer inflation eased …

Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areas
1 year, 7 months ago

Retail sales up 0.4% in April, buoyed by solid job market and declining prices in some areas

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Americans picked up their spending modestly in April, spending money online and dining out, buoyed by a solid job market and a retreat in prices for some things. That is the first retail sales increase since January, when unusually warm weather and a big jump in Social Security benefits juiced spending. Retail sales data from the U.S. …

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.
1 year, 9 months ago

Retail sales dip 0.4% in February after buying burst in Jan.

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — America’s consumers trimmed their spending in February after a buying burst in January, underscoring the volatility of the economic environment. Still, it remains to be seen whether news coverage of bank failures and stock market gyrations will hurt consumer sentiment this month, writes Capital Economics’ Deputy Chief U.S Economist Andrew Hunter in a report issued Wednesday. The …

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled
1 year, 9 months ago

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled

NPR  

The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled Enlarge this image toggle caption Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images An unexpected spending spree by U.S. shoppers seems to have calmed. Sponsor Message Inflation has been moderating since peaking last summer, but consumer prices in February were still 6% higher than a year ago, data showed …

US consumer spending surges in January, inflation heats up
1 year, 10 months ago

US consumer spending surges in January, inflation heats up

Al Jazeera  

US consumer spending increased by the most in nearly two years in January amid a surge in wage gains. US consumer spending increased by the most in nearly two years in January amid a surge in wage gains, while inflation accelerated, adding to financial market fears that the Federal Reserve could continue raising interest rates through summer. “This report means …

Retail sales jump as Americans defy inflation and rate hikes
1 year, 10 months ago

Retail sales jump as Americans defy inflation and rate hikes

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — America’s consumers rebounded last month from a weak holiday shopping season by boosting their spending at stores and restaurants at the fastest pace in nearly two years, underscoring the economy’s resilience in the face of higher prices and multiple interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Wednesday’s robust retail sales figures, along with a strong January job report, …

US retail sales post biggest jump in nearly two years
1 year, 10 months ago

US retail sales post biggest jump in nearly two years

Al Jazeera  

Signs of strength in consumer spending could potentially elicit ‘more aggressive action’ from the US Fed. United States retail sales increased by the most in nearly two years in January after two straight monthly declines as Americans boosted purchases of motor vehicles and other goods, pointing to the economy’s continued resilience despite higher borrowing costs. The US Department of Commerce …

US consumer spending, inflation cool in November
2 years ago

US consumer spending, inflation cool in November

Al Jazeera  

While economic activity is slowing amid rising interest rates, it’s not enough to discourage US Fed from more rises. Slowing economic activity amid rising borrowing costs was also flagged by other data from the Department of Commerce on Friday showing a modest gain in orders for locally manufactured capital goods last month. The personal consumption expenditures price index rose 0.1 …

US economy grew 3.2% in Q3, an upgrade from earlier estimate
2 years ago

US economy grew 3.2% in Q3, an upgrade from earlier estimate

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Shrugging off rampant inflation and rising interest rates, the U.S. economy grew at an unexpectedly strong 3.2% annual pace from July through September, the government reported Thursday in a healthy upgrade from its earlier estimate of third-quarter growth. Still, many economists expect the economy to slow and probably slip into recession next year under the pressure of higher …

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