June's Weak Retail Sales Darken Outlook for Back-to-School
June's tepid retail sales numbers are already casting a pall over the industry's outlook for autumn -- and they may bode ill for the winter, too.
ConsumerSpending
Retail Sales Dropped 2% in May Thanks to Falling Gas Prices
U.S. retail sales declined in April and May, pulled down by a sharp drop in gas prices. But even after excluding volatile gas sales, consumers barely increased their spending.
Falling Gas Drives Wholesale Prices Down by Most in Nearly 3 Years
A steep drop in gasoline costs drove down a measure of U.S. wholesale prices in May by 1%, the most since July 2009. But outside the food and energy categories, prices increased moderately.
Consumer Spending Rose 0.3% in April Despite Weak Income Growth
Consumer spending edged up by a modest 0.3% in April but personal income growth was the slowest in five months, raising concerns about the ability of Americans to keep spending in the future.
Consumer Prices Hold Steady as Gas Costs Fall
U.S. consumer prices were flat last month as cheaper gas offset modest increases for food, clothing and housing. The data indicate that inflation remains in check.
Did You Know That Oil Prices Are Heading Downward -- Fast?
Crude oil futures have taken a hit lately, delivering an 8.6% slide to speculators over the past five trading days. On Tuesday, June crude settled at a three-month low.
US Consumer Spending Slowed in March, Income Rose
Americans increased their spending more slowly in March, suggesting some are worried that their paychecks aren't growing fast enough. Consumer spending increased just 0.3 percent last month after a 0.9 percent gain in February. Income grew 0.4 percent following a 0.3 percent gain in February.
Why You Should Be Happy About 2.2% GDP Growth
The federal government says GDP grew at a 2.2% rate in the first quarter, and many pundits are calling that number a disappointment: Here's a primer on exactly what the GDP growth rate is, and why 2.2% is nothing to be bummed about.
Walmart Bribery Scandal Raises the Question: How Ethical Are the Stores You Shop?
The Walmart bribery scandal has shined a harsh spotlight on corporate misdeeds. How can you keep track of the probity of the businesses you patronize? These websites can help.
U.S. Gasoline Prices Are Now Cheaper Than a Year Ago
After dropping for most of the month, gas prices are now lower in much of the U.S. than they were a year ago. That hasn't happened in more than two years, and it could be part of a larger decline in gasoline prices that could lift consumer confidence ahead of the summer driving season.
The Ghost Malls of China: Inside a Commercial Real Estate Bubble
What if they built a consumer economy and nobody came? That's the conundrum China is facing after constructing far more housing and retail space than its population can support. Check out these images from some of its massive -- and eerily empty -- shopping centers.
Initial Jobless Claims Hit 4-Year Low as Hiring Gets Stronger
The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits fell to a four-year low last week, suggesting employers kept hiring in March at a healthy pace. Weekly applications dropped 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 357,000, the Labor Department said Thursday.
Consumers Spend More After Incomes Rise Again
Consumers earned a little more in January and spent most of the extra money. The modest gains should keep the economy growing slowly. But they disappointed economists, who were expecting bigger increases after two months of strong hiring. The Commerce Department said Thursday that consumer spending increased 0.2 percent in January.
Should You Take That Retailer's Credit Card Deal?
Chances are you've been pitched a retail card more than once. Usually it goes something like this: "Will you be saving 10% using your [name of store] card today?" The hope is you'll find the prospect of a discount alluring enough to sign up. But should you?
Retail Stocks Are a Bad Buy: Why the Rally Won't Last
The stock market's recent bounce has a lot of folks looking for a piece of the action. And with retail stocks shooting up faster than average, but still cheaper than a year ago, some analysts say now's the time to buy them. They're wrong. Here's why: