Retail sales

China's economy slowed further in July, as evidenced by barely growing retail sales and a deepening investment slump. This data reinforces concerns regarding the health of the world's second-largest economy, which is dealing with a deepening supply-demand imbalance.

China’s economy showed signs of weakness in July. Industrial output growth slowed, and retail sales were nearly flat as flagging sentiment weighed heavily on consumer spending.

Shoppers unexpectedly cut spending in July as the boost from government tax refunds faded, causing retail sales to slip 0.6%. According to data released by the Commerce Department, excluding gas stations and auto dealers, retail sales fell 0.2%, although the lone services category – restaurants – registered a 0.5% increase.

Wall Street's focus this week centers on two primary economic reports: inflation and retail sales updates. These key data points are expected to drive major market interest and decisions.

Hong Kong’s retail sales increased by 4.6% year on year in June, extending a 14-month growth streak. The first half of the year saw a 9.6% rise in retail sales compared to the same period in 2025, supported by economic growth, rising incomes, and increased visitors.

Harley-Davidson reported a 26% decline in net income to $80 million for the second quarter. However, the company increased its full-year forecasts for retail sales and wholesale shipments.

US inflation declined to 3.5% in June, with falling gas, clothing, and used car prices offering temporary relief. However, massive AI-driven investments in data centers are raising costs for technology and energy, potentially reigniting inflation. Meanwhile, the 30-year mortgage rate climbed to 6.55%, its highest level in nearly a year, and retail sales grew modestly amid economic uncertainty.

Hong Kong retail sales rose over 10% year-on-year in the first five months of 2026, but shop closures persist as tenants struggle with stagnant businesses and price-cutting pressures, while landlords report an improving market. Tenants seek rent relief due to financial losses, contrasting with landlords' optimistic assessments.

Retail sales increased by 0.2% in June, but spending slowed compared to May due to ongoing economic uncertainty and the diminishing impact of government tax refunds.

China's economic growth faces mounting pressure as monthly indicators show weakness in retail sales and investment ahead of the second-quarter figures.

Hong Kong’s retail sales increased by 7.9% year-on-year in May, reaching HK$33.8 billion, driven by higher visitor numbers during mainland China’s Labour Day golden week holiday. This marks the 13th consecutive month of growth.

Retail sales have increased as consumers purchase paddling pools and fans due to rising temperatures. The hotter weather has driven demand for cooling products, leading to a rebound in retail activity.

Retail sales in Great Britain rose 1.2% in May, driven by demand for fans and paddling pools due to hot weather, according to the Office for National Statistics. Online purchases also contributed to the growth, marking the strongest monthly sales increase since January.

The 2026 G7 summit in France addressed AI regulation and strategic access to advanced U.S. systems. U.S. retail sales surged in May despite high gas prices, showing resilient consumer demand. CarMax's Q1 revenue exceeded expectations due to higher used-car prices, though profits declined.

US retail sales rose 0.9% in May, driven by tax refunds and stable gas prices, with broad gains in clothing, furniture, and online sales. However, electronics and department stores saw declines, and economists caution that the tax refund boost may fade as inflation and gas prices remain elevated.

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.

High gas prices are causing Americans to spend more on fuel and less on dining out, reflecting economic strain linked to the conflict with Iran. This shift indicates consumers are prioritizing essential expenses over discretionary spending.

Retail sales increased by 0.9% in May as warmer weather and lower gasoline prices encouraged higher consumer spending.

Retail sales increased by 0.9% in May, driven by improved weather and lower gasoline prices. Sales at clothing, home furnishing, and online retailers rose, while electronics stores saw a decline. Gas prices fell 11% from $4.51 to $4.02 per gallon, though a tentative Iran war deal remains uncertain about long-term recovery.

Retail sales increased by 0.9% in May as warmer weather and lower gasoline prices encouraged higher consumer spending.

Brazil’s retail sales fell 1.5% in April compared to the previous month, marking the steepest decline since mid-2022 and the first drop of 2024. Economists had predicted a smaller decline of around 0.5%.

China's retail sales fell at the fastest pace in years in May, while industrial output rose, highlighting an economic imbalance. Analysts attribute weak domestic demand to a real estate market crash and cooling growth, with calls for a stimulus package countered by Beijing's debt concerns.

China's retail sales fell 0.6% in May, marking their first decline in over three years and missing expectations of flat growth. Fixed-asset investment also contracted more than forecast, indicating weakening domestic demand.

China’s economy showed signs of weakness in May, marked by a decline in retail sales for the first time in over three years and a deepening slump in fixed asset investment.

China's retail sales fell for the first time in over three years in May, and urban investment contracted more than expected, indicating a deepening economic slump.

China urged major nations to foster a free trading environment ahead of two summits that could lead to a trade war with the European Union. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing emphasized expanding high-standard opening up during a videoconference hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, attended by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and representatives from Brazil, India, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.

Frasers is considering a £500 million bid for a shopping center, as reported by Sky. UK retail sales growth in November was slower than expected, suggesting Christmas shoppers may not significantly boost the economy in the final months of the year.

Retail sales in Great Britain declined by 1.3% in April, marking the worst monthly performance in a year. The drop was primarily driven by motorists reducing petrol and fuel purchases at the fastest rate since the Covid pandemic, amid uncertainty over Iran tensions. The decline significantly exceeded forecasts of -0.6%.

Retail sales in Great Britain increased by 0.7% in March, driven by a surge in fuel purchases and favorable weather. The rise was partly attributed to motorists buying fuel amid escalating prices linked to the Iran war.

US retail sales experienced a significant increase in March, primarily driven by higher consumer spending on gasoline. The surge highlights a shift in consumer behavior toward energy-related expenditures.

Retail sales increased by 1.7% in March compared to February, primarily due to higher gas prices. Shoppers spent most of their additional money at gas stations.

Japan's industrial production and retail sales have shown improvement despite the ongoing Iran war. The data suggests economic resilience in key sectors amid geopolitical tensions.