
Retail sales came in weaker than expected, another bad sign for the US economy
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.
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. Retail sales rose 0.2% in February from the prior month, the Commerce Department said Monday, up from January’s downwardly revised 1.2% decline. That was much lower than the 0.7% increase economists projected in a FactSet poll. The figures are adjusted for seasonal swings but not inflation. Weak consumer spending figures are adding to concerns that the US economy is slowing, and perhaps heading into a recession. Monday’s retail report didn’t ease those fears. Retail sales account for about a third of overall spending in the US. This story is developing and will be updated.

President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are slowing economic growth in the United States and around the world while sending prices higher again, creating a toxic stew for the global economy that could grow even worse if tensions escalate, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said Monday.