U.S. Retail Sales Rose 0.4% In July
Retail sales rose 0.4% in July . The consensus was at 0.5%, June reading was a decrease of 0.5%. Autos taken out, the figure was an increase of 0.2% right at the consensus. Prior reading at -0.1%.
Gains came mostly from a 2.3% increase in gasoline station sales and 1.6 % rise in motor vehicle sales. Also rising: miscellaneous stores, nonstore retailers, and food services & drinking places.
Declining: furniture & home furnishings, electronics & appliances, building materials & garden equipment, food & beverage stores, health & personal care, clothing, sporting goods & hobby stores, and general merchandise.
Negative streak is snapped, but overall this is a weak report.
Chart 1. U.S. Retail sales
U.S. Census Bureau
