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Retail Sales Fall 0.2% In January, Less Than Expected

Seeking Alpha
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U.S. retail sales declined 0.2% in January 2026, according to Census Bureau data, marking a slight drop from December’s flat performance but exceeding economist forecasts of a 0.3% decrease. Year-over-year retail sales grew 3.2%, signaling modest resilience despite monthly volatility, though the pace reflects cooling consumer demand compared to prior post-pandemic surges. Core retail sales—excluding automobiles—remained flat for the second consecutive month, missing the projected 0.1% gain and underscoring persistent weakness in discretionary spending categories. The report suggests consumers are pulling back amid economic uncertainty, though the smaller-than-expected decline may ease recession fears as inflation pressures and high interest rates weigh on household budgets. Analysts note the data aligns with broader trends of cautious spending, with auto and gas sales drags offset by steady gains in essential goods, pointing to a shifting economic landscape.
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Advisor Perspectives Charts6.58K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(5min)CommentsSummaryHeadline sales slipped 0.2%, a step down from December's flat reading but better than the projected 0.3% decline.The year-over-year percent change provides another perspective on the historical trend. Current retail sales are up 3.2% compared to one year ago.Core sales (ex-autos) were flat in January, unchanged from December's 0.0% reading, and were lower than the expected 0.1% growth. Vuk Saric/iStock via Getty Images By Jennifer Nash The Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed consumer spending was down less than feared in January. Headline sales slipped 0.2%, a step down from December's flat reading but better thanThis article was written byAdvisor Perspectives Charts6.58K FollowersFollowAdvisor Perspectives is a leading interactive publisher for Registered Investment Advisors. Our AP Charts & Analysis portion of our website analyzes economic and market trends.

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Source: Seeking Alpha

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