Sarah Williamson

Retail sales rose 0.2% in June, driven by online sales and sporting goods, but overall spending slowed due to economic uncertainty and fading tax refunds. Inflation cooled as gas prices fell, but geopolitical tensions threaten recent progress.

Retail sales rose 0.2% in June amid economic uncertainty and fading tax refund benefits, with a 0.7% increase when excluding gas stations. Inflation declined to 3.5% year-over-year, driven by lower gas, clothes, and used car prices, while consumer spending on online platforms and sporting goods showed growth.

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.