Retail sales up a strong 0.9% in May, underscoring the resilience of the US consumer

Retail sales in the US rose 0.9% in May, driven by warmer weather, lower gas prices, and tax refunds, with clothing, furniture, and online sales seeing increases. However, electronics and department stores declined, and gas prices remain near $4 per gallon despite a recent 11% drop. The control group, excluding key sectors, showed a 0.7% rise, indicating resilient consumer spending despite inflation.