Retail sales slumped 0.9% in January, down much more than expected

Posted: Feb 14, 2025

  • Retail sales in January slumped 0.9%, worse than expected
  • Excluding autos, prices fell 0.4%, against expectations of a 0.3% increase
  • Control measure for GDP fell 0.8% after an upwardly revised increase of 0.8%
  • Consumer spending is crucial for the U.S. economy, potential weakening in growth for Q1
  • Receipts at sporting goods, music, book stores fell 4.6%
  • Online outlets reported a 1.9% decline
  • Motor vehicles and parts spending dropped 2.8%
  • Gas stations, food, and drinking establishments reported slight increases
  • Retail sales fell 0.9% in January, worse than expected
  • Excluding autos, prices fell 0.4%
  • "Control" sales group slid 0.8%
  • Consumer spending makes up 2/3 of economic activity in the US
  • Stock market futures held in slightly negative territory
  • Import prices accelerated 0.3% in January
  • Fuel prices increased 3.2% on the month
  • Export prices increased 1.3%


What do people on Reddit think?

🚨 Reddit sentiment: mixed/negative - Most comments express concerns over economic downturns, recession indicators, and stagflation, although there are some bullish remarks. Summarized comments: - Concerns about the effect of tariffs in the coming months as central banks and governments have limited options with lower interest rates and high fiscal spending - Fear of stagflation as some companies announce workforce cuts and hiring slowdowns - Personal spending is being limited to essentials due to economic uncertainty - Doubts on the effectiveness of austerity in a capitalist economy - Increasing likelihood of a recession suggested by multiple economic and political indicators - Investor sentiment divided between buying the dips and derisking - Some users maintain a bullish outlook despite the negative economic signals



Stay ahead of the market with AI stock alerts & AI summaries of the latest earnings, stock ideas for free with Fluid Bot. Sign up now!