Lower-than-expected rise in US retail sales. In June, American consumers spent more on gasoline and cars, but less on other goods. The rise, disclosed by the US Department of Commerce, was equal to 0,4%, to 422,79 billion dollars. The figure was lower than the estimates of analysts, who expected growth of 0,8%. The May index was revised downwards to +0,5%.
Compared to the same period last year, retail sales are up by 5,7%. Consumer spending represents a large part, about 70%, of the gross domestic product of the United States, which in turn is a thermometer of the country's economic performance. It should be noted that auto sales grew by 1,8% compared to May and by 11% compared to the same period last year. Excluding auto and gasoline sales, the figure fell by 0,1%.
