US retail sales rise sharply ahead of the Fed decision, but the underlying core strength matters more
📌 US retail sales rose 1.2% in August from the previous month, beating the 0.8% forecast and reversing July’s revised 0.5% decline. Total sales reached $773.9 billion.
🔎 The stronger signal came from the control group, a measure closely linked to goods consumption in GDP, which jumped 1.4% versus expectations of just 0.4%. Online sales rose 2.6%, while electronics gained 1.6%, showing the rebound was not driven solely by autos or gasoline.
⚠️ However, retail sales are reported in nominal terms and are not adjusted for inflation. Gasoline-station receipts rose 3.1% amid elevated energy prices, meaning the 1.2% headline increase does not translate directly into an equivalent rise in real purchasing power.
💡 The data suggests US consumers have not weakened materially and adds another firm growth signal ahead of the Fed decision. This could support the USD and add pressure to easing expectations, while the impact on equities remains mixed.
#USRetailSales $DOT
📌 US retail sales rose 1.2% in August from the previous month, beating the 0.8% forecast and reversing July’s revised 0.5% decline. Total sales reached $773.9 billion.
🔎 The stronger signal came from the control group, a measure closely linked to goods consumption in GDP, which jumped 1.4% versus expectations of just 0.4%. Online sales rose 2.6%, while electronics gained 1.6%, showing the rebound was not driven solely by autos or gasoline.
⚠️ However, retail sales are reported in nominal terms and are not adjusted for inflation. Gasoline-station receipts rose 3.1% amid elevated energy prices, meaning the 1.2% headline increase does not translate directly into an equivalent rise in real purchasing power.
💡 The data suggests US consumers have not weakened materially and adds another firm growth signal ahead of the Fed decision. This could support the USD and add pressure to easing expectations, while the impact on equities remains mixed.
#USRetailSales $DOT
