Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July
US retail sales increased 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026, beating the 0.3% forecast. This follows an upwardly revised 1.3% gain in August. Higher gasoline prices were a primary driver, with gas station sales jumping 6.4%. However, excluding gasoline, the growth slowed to 0.2%. While food services and furniture stores saw increases, spending declined at building materials stores and miscellaneous store retailers. Because these figures are not adjusted for inflation, price hikes contributed significantly to the overall growth totals.
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- ✓ US retail sales grew 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026.
- ✓ September retail growth exceeded forecasts of a 0.3% gain.
- ✓ August retail sales were upwardly revised to a 1.3% increase.
- ✓ Gas station sales increased 6.4%.
What changed
Back-to-school shopping is identified as a contributing factor to the September sales rise.
Live updates
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US Retail Sales Grow in September Driven by Back-to-School Shopping
US retail sales increased 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026, beating the 0.3% forecast. This follows an upwardly revised 1.3% gain in August. Higher gasoline prices were a primary driver, with gas station sales jumping 6.4%. However, excluding gasoline, the growth slowed to 0.2%. While food services and furniture stores saw increases, spending declined at building materials stores and miscellaneous store retailers. Because these figures are not adjusted for inflation, price hikes contributed significantly to the overall growth totals.
Why it matters
Consumer spending is a primary engine of the US economy. Current data shows shoppers continue spending despite rising costs at the pump and elsewhere. This trend occurs as diesel prices hit a record above $6 a gallon, which threatens to increase grocery costs.
What is confirmed
- US retail sales grew 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026.
- September retail growth exceeded forecasts of a 0.3% gain.
- August retail sales were upwardly revised to a 1.3% increase.
- Gas station sales increased 6.4%.
- Retail sales rose 0.2% when excluding gasoline.
Still unconfirmed
- Back-to-school shopping contributed to the September rise in retail sales.
- US diesel prices reached a record above $6 a gallon.
- US home sales fell 2% in August to their slowest annual pace in over a year.
What to watch next
- Inflation-adjusted retail data to determine real spending volume
- October retail sales figures
- Updates on grocery price changes linked to diesel costs
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.cnbc.com — Retail News
- rapaport.com — US Retail Sales Continue to Rise in September - rapaport.com
- www.oann.com — Business – Page 3 – One America News Network
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US September retail sales rise 0.8% driven by gasoline costs
US retail sales grew 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026, exceeding forecasts of a 0.3% gain. This growth followed an upwardly revised 1.3% increase in August. Higher gasoline prices drove the surge, with sales at gas stations increasing 6.4%. When excluding gasoline, retail sales rose only 0.2%. While furniture stores and food services saw gains, spending fell at miscellaneous store retailers and building materials stores. Retail sales data is not adjusted for inflation, meaning price increases contributed significantly to the total figures.
Why it matters
Consumer spending resilience is being tested by inflation and rising household costs. The distinction between nominal sales growth and inflation-adjusted spending helps analysts determine if consumers are buying more goods or simply paying more for the same items. These trends influence broader GDP calculations.
What is confirmed
- US retail sales increased 0.8% month-over-month in September 2026.
- August retail sales were upwardly revised to a 1.3% rise.
- Sales at gasoline stations increased 6.4% due to higher prices.
- Retail sales excluding gasoline rose 0.2% in September.
- Retail sales data is not adjusted for inflation.
Still unconfirmed
- September retail sales were 6.7% higher than the previous year.
What to watch next
- October retail sales data to determine if gasoline-driven growth persists.
- Updated GDP calculations incorporating September retail spending figures.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.retaildive.com — High prices push September retail sales up 6.7% over last year
- kpmg.com — Surging gasoline prices boost retail sales - kpmg.com
- tradingeconomics.com — US Retail Sales Above Expectations on Higher Gas Prices
- nypost.com — Retail sales up in September -- but a big chunk of spending ...
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Retail Sales Rise 1.2% in August
US retail sales climbed 1.2 percent in August, surpassing forecasts as the control group increased 1.4 percent. Government data indicates consumer spending remained resilient for the eleventh consecutive month despite ongoing inflation worries, higher costs for household expenses and fuel, and consumer price fatigue. Wall Street indexes recovered weekly losses due to falling oil prices and easing Treasury yields. However, tariffs and price effects continue to cloud the broader consumer outlook as the nation approaches upcoming midterm elections.
Why it matters
The August sales growth demonstrates that household demand persisted despite financial pressures from inflation and surging energy costs. Market reaction was swift as stocks rebounded from earlier weekly losses. The data arrives amid a busy economic calendar featuring inflation reports and upcoming big bank profits.
What is confirmed
- US retail sales rose 1.2 percent in August.
Still unconfirmed
- Tariffs and price effects are clouding the consumer picture.
- Upcoming updates on inflation will dominate the US midterm elections.
- Retail sales climbed for the eleventh consecutive month.
- Wall Street indexes recovered weekly losses as falling oil prices and easing Treasury yields bolstered stocks.
- Diesel prices hit a record above six dollars a gallon.
- Home sales dropped two percent to their slowest annual pace in over a year.
What to watch next
- Upcoming inflation reports
- Big bank profits
- US midterm elections
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- for.you.com — Retail Sales Surge in August Despite Consumer Price Fatigue
- abcnews.com — 2 Inflation reports, retail sales and big bank profits all ...
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US Consumer Spending Defies Inflation Fears With August Gain
US consumer spending increased in August despite persistent inflation worries, demonstrating that households continued buying goods and services. Government data showed retail sales climbed for the eleventh consecutive month as shoppers maintained spending habits despite higher costs for household expenses and fuel. Wall Street indexes recovered weekly losses as falling oil prices and easing Treasury yields bolstered stocks. Meanwhile, diesel prices hit a record above six dollars a gallon, home sales dropped two percent to their slowest annual pace in over a year, and oil prices exceeded one hundred dollars a barrel following Middle East attacks.
Why it matters
This economic momentum occurs while individual household budgets face severe strain from high fuel prices and a slowing housing market. The resilience of consumer spending powers broader economic growth against headwinds like expensive diesel and geopolitical supply threats. Observers monitor these figures closely to gauge whether consumer demand can sustain broader market stability.
What is confirmed
- Consumer spending climbed 0.9% in August, showing that households continued buying goods and services despite price concerns.
- Retail sales climbed for the eleventh straight month in August.
- Diesel prices reached a record above six dollars a gallon.
- Home sales fell two percent to their slowest annual pace in over a year.
- Oil prices surpassed one hundred dollars a barrel following Middle East attacks.
What to watch next
- Monitor subsequent monthly government retail sales reports to see if the streak continues.
- Track upcoming Treasury yield movements and oil price fluctuations.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.dailynews.com — Retail - Los Angeles Daily News
- www.sun-sentinel.com — South Florida retail industry news: Sun Sentinel
- wheninyourstate.com — US consumers defy inflation fears as spending continues to ...
- www.sandiegouniontribune.com — Retail – San Diego Union-Tribune
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US Retail Sales Grow for 11th Consecutive Month in August
United States retail sales climbed for the eleventh straight month in August, according to recent government data, as consumers continued spending despite higher costs for fuel and other household expenses. Wall Street recovered weekly losses as falling oil prices and easing Treasury yields bolstered stocks, though diesel prices reached a record above six dollars a gallon and home sales fell two percent to their slowest annual pace in over a year. Oil prices also surpassed one hundred dollars a barrel following Middle East attacks that threatened global energy supplies.
Why it matters
Consumer spending remains a primary engine for the American economy despite persistent inflationary pressures affecting household budgets. High transportation costs driven by expensive fuel threaten to push grocery prices higher, while elevated mortgage rates and home prices continue to slow the housing market. These retail gains occur against a backdrop of broader economic strains, including rising utility and insurance expenses for consumers across regions.
What is confirmed
- US retail sales grew for an 11th consecutive month in August.
- U.S. home sales fell 2% in August to their slowest annual pace in more than a year.
- U.S. diesel prices hit a record above $6 a gallon.
- Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel after Middle East attacks threatened global supplies.
What to watch next
- Further government reports on retail sales performance following methodology changes by the National Retail Federation
- Future adjustments in retail spending amid record diesel prices and rising transportation costs
- Market response to ongoing Middle East supply threats and their impact on global oil prices
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.eastbaytimes.com — Retail – East Bay Times
- finance.yahoo.com — US retail sales rise for 11th consecutive month in August ...
- www.dailypress.com — Retail - Daily Press
- www.mcall.com — Lehigh Valley Retail Watch: Store Openings, Closings & News ...
- www.visionmonday.com — VM - INSIGHTS - Vision Monday
- www.oann.com — Business – Page 2 – One America News Network
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South Dakota Residents Face Rising Utility Bills
South Dakota residents face increased utility costs as electricity bills rise alongside higher expenses for gasoline, food, and healthcare insurance. Customers serviced by Xcel Energy in Sioux Falls can check current rates, find rebates, and verify utility bills through online resources. Xcel Energy operates as a regulated public utility that sets prices via formal rate cases while modernizing infrastructure and integrating clean energy sources. Understanding these localized energy price adjustments helps consumers track broader household budget pressures.
Why it matters
Utility costs represent a key component of household spending as consumers face mounting financial pressures across multiple sectors. While broader economic data shows retail sales expanding despite elevated borrowing costs, individual households continue absorbing price increases on essential goods and services.
What is confirmed
- Xcel Energy customers in South Dakota face rising electricity bills.
- Consumers in South Dakota are paying more for gasoline, food, healthcare insurance, and electric bills.
Still unconfirmed
- South Dakota electricity rate hikes are tied directly to recent capital investments in clean energy infrastructure.
- Specific average monthly bill amounts for Sioux Falls residents have increased by a quantified percentage.
What to watch next
- Official filings detailing the exact percentage increase for South Dakota electricity rates.
- Additional consumer utility monitors tracking regional energy price trends.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (5)
- utilitycheck.co — Sioux Falls Electricity Rates — Xcel Energy SD - Utility Check
- www.xcelenergy.com — Rates - Xcel Energy
- wattbuy.com — Xcel Energy - South Dakota Electricity Rates - WattBuy
- www.xcelenergy.com — Pricing - Xcel Energy
- www.newsbreak.com — Your Xcel Energy Bills Are Going Up South Dakota - NewsBreak
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US Retail Sales Rise 1.2% in August After July Dip
US retail sales grew by 1.2% in August, exceeding expectations and rebounding from a spending decline in July. This broad advance indicates ongoing consumer resilience even as households face higher credit costs. Core retail sales also hit a record, with store-based spending gaining 0.6%. Ecommerce and bars helped drive the August surge, according to economic data. Additionally, the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor recorded the eleventh consecutive month of sales growth during the same period.
Why it matters
The August rebound highlights the persistence of American household spending despite higher borrowing costs and broader economic pressures. Economists monitor these sales figures closely to gauge consumer health and overall economic momentum. Strong retail demand can influence monetary policy decisions regarding interest rates as the central bank manages persistent inflation.
What is confirmed
- US retail sales rose by 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July.
- Core retail sales rose 1.2% in August and store-based spending gained 0.6%.
- Retail sales marked the 11th consecutive month of gains according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor.
Still unconfirmed
- Ecommerce and bars drove the US retail sales August surge, though the broader mix tells a subtler story.
What to watch next
- Federal Reserve responses to the stronger-than-expected retail data in upcoming policy meetings
- Subsequent Census Bureau retail data releases to confirm consumer spending trajectories
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- observatorioglobal.udlap.mx — Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Core Retail Sales Hit Record as In-Store Spending Rises
- www.retailcustomerexperience.com — US retail sales rebounded late summer | Retail Customer ...
- www.orlandosentinel.com — Retail – Orlando Sentinel
- www.universenewsnetwork.com — Ecommerce and Bars Drive the US Retail Sales August Surge ...
- nrf.com — CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows 11th Month of Sales Growth in ...
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US Retail Sales Rise 1.2% in August Following July Dip
US retail sales grew by 1.2% in August, exceeding expectations and rebounding after a spending decline in July. This broad advance indicates consumer resilience despite inflation and rising gas prices. The strong spending data supports the Federal Reserve's potential case for raising short-term interest rates to combat persistent inflation. Market reactions included gold trading at $4,340 per ounce following the report. The growth suggests that American households continue to power the economy even as they face higher costs at the pump.
Why it matters
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise interest rates this Wednesday for the first time in three years. This move aims to address stubbornly high inflation. Retail spending levels serve as a key indicator of economic strength for policymakers.
What is confirmed
- Retail sales increased 1.2% in August.
- Retail spending declined in July.
- August retail sales growth exceeded expectations.
- Consumers continued spending despite rising gas prices.
Still unconfirmed
- The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lift its short-term interest rate Wednesday.
- Gold price traded at $4,340/oz following the retail sales report.
What to watch next
- Federal Reserve interest rate decision on Wednesday
- Future government snapshots of consumer spending patterns
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (11)
- AP News — Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July
- Bloomberg.com — US Retail Sales Rebound More Than Expected in Broad Advance
- WSJ — U.S. Retail Sales Rebound in Show of Consumer Strength
- Reuters — US retail sales rebound sharply in August
- KITCO — Gold price trades at $4,340/oz after retail sales rise 1.2% in August
- Los Angeles Times — Retail sales jump in august as Americans keep spending despite gas price squeeze
- U.S. News & World Report — Strong Retail Sales Make Fed’s Case for Rate Hikes Easier | National News | U.S. News
- www.pbs.org — Retail sales rise better-than-expected 1.2% in August
- www.wvgazettemail.com — Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2% in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July
- brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com — Retail sales rise a better-than-expected 1.2 per cent in August after shoppers pulled back spending in July
- www.briefs.co — Morrisons' hottest quarter in a year as sunshine and the World Cup lift sales
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