U.S. Retail Sales Flat in December, Ending Year on Weak Note
U.S. retail sales showed no growth in December compared to the prior month, closing out the year on a subdued note. The stagnant figures suggest that consumer spending momentum, a key driver of economic growth, weakened as the year came to an end.
The flat reading may raise concerns among economists and policymakers about the health of consumer demand heading into the new year. Retail sales are closely watched as a barometer of household financial confidence, and the December performance could reflect the impact of persistent inflation, higher borrowing costs, or shifting consumer priorities during the holiday season.
The flat reading may raise concerns among economists and policymakers about the health of consumer demand heading into the new year. Retail sales are closely watched as a barometer of household financial confidence, and the December performance could reflect the impact of persistent inflation, higher borrowing costs, or shifting consumer priorities during the holiday season.