This is a macro consumer-spending data point that can influence broad market risk sentiment and sector rotations (retail/consumer discretionary) rather than a single company’s fundamentals. Moderately weak headline growth vs. prior month increases uncertainty but is partially offset by online strength and easing inflation backdrop.
Retail sales up a modest 0. 2% in June amid economic uncertainty and fading benefits from tax refunds 1 / 2 Retail sales up a modest 0. 2% in June amid economic uncertainty and fading benefits from tax refunds A sale information sign is displayed at a retail store in Wheeling, Ill.
, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) ANNE D'INNOCENZIO Thu, July 16, 2026 at 2:44 PM GMT+2 1 min read NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers slowed their spending in June from May as amid continuing economic uncertainty and fading benefits from generous government tax refunds.
Retail sales rose 0. 2% in June, after being up a revised 1% in May, according to the Commerce Department's report released on Thursday. Excluding business at gas stations, retail sales were up 0.
7% Business at clothing and accessories stores slipped 0. 3%, while online sales rose 1. 9% fueled by spending surrounding Amazon's Prime Day event, which was held from June 23 through June 26.
The data offers only a snapshot of consumer spending and doesn't include activities like travel and hotel stays. The lone services category – restaurants – registered a 0. 1% increase.
The report comes as U. S. inflation cooled last month as the cost of gas , clothes, and used cars fell, offering some relief to consumers, while underlying price pressures also slowed more than anticipated.
Gas prices fell to $3. 94 per gallon on Thursday, down from $4. 04 a month ago, according to motor club AAA.
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