Retail Sales Figures

SINGAPORE—China’s economy stumbled in July as a two-month boost from easing lockdowns faded, prompting the country’s central bank to unexpectedly cut two key interest rates in an effort to shore up faltering growth.A raft of data released Monday showed economic activity slowed across the board in July, including factory output, investment, consumer spending, youth hiring and real estate, highlighting the breadth of the economic challenge facing policy makers in a politically sensitive year for leader…

Shoppers are trading down to cheap beer brands and discount cigarettes as they feel more pressure on their pocketbooks.Consumer prices in the U.S. rose at a 9.1% annual rate in June, the fastest pace in nearly 41 years, as strong consumer demand has collided with persistent supply shortages. In a survey released this month by the National Retail Federation, nearly half of consumers said that because of rising prices on everyday necessities, they were switching to cheaper alternatives. Vincent Jarbou, co-owner…

June’s increase came after sales declined slightly in May, the Commerce Department said Friday.Consumers spent more last month across a broad range of goods, including furniture, groceries and gas. They also spent more at restaurants. Spending declined at building-supply, clothing and department stores. Some of the growth in retail sales last month likely reflects that consumers were paying higher prices for goods and services. Unlike many other economic-data reports produced by the U.S.…

The National Federation of Independent Business will release data from its monthly survey that gauges optimism among small businesses. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal expect to see that the survey’s index declined slightly in June. The survey’s reading on near-term expectations for future business conditions fell in May to its lowest point on record.Wednesday The U.S. consumer-price index for June will offer a key inflation reading before the Federal Reserve’s July 26-27 meeting. Economists surveyed…

Americans’ retail spending declined in May, as consumers felt the pinch from inflation, higher gasoline prices and rising interest rates that make car purchases more expensive.Retail sales—a measure of spending at stores, online and in restaurants—fell a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in May from the previous month, dropping from April’s revised 0.7% increase, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. A sharp drop in vehicle sales—due to high prices, low inventory and rising interest on car loans—played an outsize role in the…

A closely watched U.S. inflation reading eased in April for the first time this year while households boosted spending for the fourth straight month. Consumer spending rose by 0.9% in April and incomes increased 0.4%, the Commerce Department said Friday. But adjusted for inflation, disposable income was flat during the month, showing that wage increases are struggling to keep up with price rises. Inflation as measured by the personal-consumption expenditures price index rose 6.3% in April from a year earlier, down from…

U.S. shoppers increased retail spending in April for the fourth straight month as inflation held close to its highest level in four decade, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Retail sales—a measure of spending at stores, online and in restaurants—aren’t adjusted for inflation. That means that while consumers have continued to spend more, they are likely getting less due to rapidly rising prices. In March, for instance, retail sales rose largely because of a sharp jump in gasoline…