Leota Sedbrook wAtC

#USRetailSalesMissForecast refers to the latest U.S. retail sales report showing consumer spending growth came in below economists’ expectations, with December data essentially flat instead of rising as forecasted. The unexpected outcome suggests consumer demand may be cooling after a busy holiday season, raising concerns about the strength of the broader economy early in 2026. Investors and policymakers are watching these figures closely because retail sales are a major driver of GDP, and weaker trends can influence market sentiment and Federal Reserve interest-rate decisions. The miss has prompted some analysts to reassess growth and inflation outlooks. ([reuters.com][1])