Retail and food services sales in the United States advanced by 0.2% in June compared to last month's figures, landing at $768.6 billion, the US Census Bureau revealed in its report published on Thursday. Meanwhile, compared to the corresponding month in 2025, the figure went up 6.7%. Total sales for the period April 2026 through June 2026 were up by 6.4% year-over-year. In the first 6 months of 2026, non-store retailers rose by 11.3% compared to the same period in 2025, while the food service and drinking places increased by 3.8%. (full story)

Spending at US retailers last month was weaker than expected, despite the World Cup drawing tourists from around the world and online sales events. Retail sales rose 0.2% in June from the prior month, the Commerce Department said Thursday, down sharply from May’s revised 1% increase. That was lower than expectations of a 0.3% increase, according to a poll of economists by data firm FactSet. Retail sales are adjusted for seasonal swings but not inflation. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the US economy, has held up this year, despite higher inflation and unusually weak consumer sentiment. ... (full story)