Retail sales see biggest drop in a year to start 2025
Published On Feb 14, 2025, 9:49 AM
In January 2025, retail sales in the U.S. saw a 0.9% decline, a more substantial fall than the predicted 0.2%. This marks the largest drop in retail sales since January of the previous year. Economists note this decline was influenced by a 'holiday hangover' and adverse winter weather conditions. The decline signifies potential negative impacts on GDP for the quarter if trends don't improve in February and March. Excluding auto and gas sales, the decline was even more pronounced, falling by 0.5%.
Stock Forecasts
XLY
Negative
Given the negative retail sales report and the forecast of possible GDP contraction, investor sentiment towards consumer discretionary sectors may deteriorate in the short term. The overall economic outlook appears weak, leading to cautious trading across the market, particularly in retail-focused stocks.
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