Retail Sales Dip But Core Demand Holds | Business and Finance News

Retail sales dipped slightly in June, rising just 0.2%—a slowdown from May’s 1% gain and below forecasts. While unadjusted for inflation, the data reveals a mixed picture: big events like the World Cup and Prime Day boosted spending, but plunging gas prices dragged numbers down. Excluding gas, retail jumped 0.7%, and after removing volatile categories like building materials, core spending still rose 0.5%—outpacing expectations. This resilience signals steady consumer demand, but also keeps the Fed cautious about cutting rates, as inflation remains a concern. The economy’s strength is a double-edged sword: good for growth, but it delays relief for households feeling the squeeze from rising costs, especially with energy prices still unpredictable. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/2dc1cba006ce9f35