U.S. Retail Sales Remain Flat in December, Missing Expectations - Alpha Spread

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Retail sales in the United States did not grow in December, according to the latest report from the Census Bureau. Sales were unchanged from the previous month, following a 0.6% increase in November.

Analysts had expected a 0.4% rise in December sales, but that growth did not materialize. The lack of increase suggests consumers spent less than anticipated during the important holiday season.

Retail sales measure how much consumers spend on goods at stores, online, and other retailers. It's an important indicator of consumer spending and economic health.

Flat retail sales suggest that consumer spending is not growing. This can be a sign of caution among shoppers and may affect the overall economy.

Lower-than-expected sales growth can impact retail companies' revenues and may influence their strategies or stock prices.

ETF Trends

The Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed consumer spending was unexpectedly flat in December. Headline sales were unchanged, down from November's 0.6% reading and below the projected 0.4% growth.

Schaeffers Research

Retail sales data for December painted a disappointing picture, with consumer spending coming in flat, down from a 0.6% jump in November and missing analysts' estimates of a 0.4% increase.

Zacks Investment Research

Retail sales stalled in December, but DG, WMT, ROST and TJX are positioned to win as shoppers trade down for value.

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