Retail sales up a modest 0.2% in June amid economic uncertainty and fading benefits from tax refunds

Retail sales increased 0.2% in June, driven by online sales and sporting goods amid economic uncertainty and declining gas prices. Excluding gas stations, sales rose 0.7%, while clothing stores fell 0.3%. Inflation cooled to 3.5% year-over-year as gas prices dropped to $3.94 per gallon.