U.S. Economy: Retail Sales Cool, Consumer Sentiment Declines

Retail sales rose in April at the slowest pace in nine months and consumer sentiment declined last week, highlighting the risks that rising gasoline prices pose for the U.S. economy.

Purchases increased 0.5 percent, the smallest gain since July, after a 0.9 percent March advance that was more than double the previous estimate, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index dropped to minus 46.9 in the period to May 8, the lowest reading since March.

Spending improved at service stations and grocery stores and dropped at furniture and electronics dealers, showing mounting bills for food and gasoline are leaving Americans with less money for other goods. At the same time, sales at chains like Macy’s Inc. topped analysts’ estimates, a sign the improving job market will prevent consumer spending from faltering.

Read Full Article from Bloomberg

- Posted: 2011-05-12 12:59:44

More Stock Investor Place Top Stories

Anglo platinum arm sheds 14,000 jobs, risking unrest Apple falls below $500 US retail sales rose 0.5 percent in December, led by autos, furniture and clothing sales Recovery in U.S. Saving 8 Million Underwater Homeowners Facebook shares rise in buildup to mystery event, earnings

Stock Investor Place Top Stories Archive

January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008