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Retail Sales
Why should you care about retail sales figures?
The monthly retail sales report is a key measure of economic health, and is particularly valued because it tracks activity in close to real time, reporting the previous month’s sales, unlike many economic indicators, which come out months after the activity being measured occurred. Retail sales are considered a good proxy for consumer spending, which represents nearly two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product. As a result, policy makers and investors watch retail sales figures closely to assess the near-term prospects for economic growth and inflation.
Investors pay close attention to the indicator to see how actual sales compare with expectations. Better-than-expected sales figures may push stock prices higher if investors have been concerned about an economic slump. But the same positive report may instead lead to a sell-off if investors are worried that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to fight inflation. Follow the links below to learn more.
Editor's Pick
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Discount Detox (Video)
With many stores offering discounts, consumers are reaping the benefits of the recession. But retailers can't sustain discounts forever.
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Behind the Number
For a quick overview of the monthly retail sales report and a look at its strengths and weaknesses, stop here first.
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Why Investors Watch Sales
Retail sales are watched closely by investors for clues to future market behavior. Learn what impact the indicator can have on the Dow.
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The Month at a Glance
The U.S. Census Bureau releases its monthly retail sales report around the 13th of each month. Find the latest report here.
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A Historical Look
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York tracks the quarterly change in retail sales, providing a snapshot of one component of economic growth and contraction over time.
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Amazon cuts off Ark. affiliates, blames tax bill
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Amazon.com said Friday that it would drop its online affiliates in Arkansas in response to a new state law that would have required the online retailer to start charging sales tax.Lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year to require out-of-state online retailers like...
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At a Glance: Retailers' monthly sales comparisons
NEW YORK (AP) — Here's how May revenue compared with a year earlier at selected chain retailers, listed by sector.This comparison is a key indicator of a retailer's financial health because it excludes stores that recently opened or closed. But many retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc.,...
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Analyst downgrades Gap on sales, cost worries
NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Gap Inc. slipped more than 2 percent on Wednesday as an analyst downgraded the struggling clothing company and reduced its price target, voicing concern that the retailer's sales and margins may not improve over the next few quarters and that it may cut its earnings...
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G-III Apparel shares fall on weak 1Q, downgrade
NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of G-III Apparel Group Ltd. fell Tuesday after the clothing maker reported a first-quarter loss, while analysts expected a profit, and an analyst downgraded the stock.THE SPARK: G-III Apparel reported after the markets closed Monday that it lost money in its fiscal...
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Talbots returns to profit in 1Q; says 2Q is weak
HINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — The Talbots Inc. said Tuesday that it returned to a profit in the fiscal first quarter and that adjusted results beat analyst expectations, but its stock plunged after it said second-quarter sales are weak.The women's clothing retailer said both sales and traffic are...
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Wal-Mart to be scrutinized by shareholders
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Investors gathering at Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s shareholders' meeting Friday are likely to be a little restless given a two-year sales slump in its namesake business that shows no clear signs of turning around yet.Wal-Mart's flagship business is hurting because it's...
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Stocks mixed on weak retail and jobless reports
NEW YORK (AP) — Weaker than expected sales reports from retailers and another large number of claims for unemployment benefits left stocks with a mixed finish on Thursday, a day after the Dow Jones industrial average took its biggest dive in nearly a year.First-time applications for...
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Calif. Assembly OKs bill to tax online retailers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc. would be required to collect California sales and use taxes under a bill approved Tuesday by the state Assembly.Assemblyman Charles Calderon, D-Whittier, says his legislation evens the playing field for physical stores that...
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Wal-Mart CEO pushes plan to keep retailer growing
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. unveiled a $15 billion share buyback program Friday as it hammered home its message to shareholders at its annual meeting that the world's largest retailer will keep growing.At a packed basketball arena at the University of Arkansas, CEO Mike...
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Governor vetoes Internet sales tax bill
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Gov. Rick Perry vetoed his first bill of the year on Monday, a measure that would have expanded the number of Internet retailers required to collect Texas' sales tax.The bill would have required companies that contract with marketing companies inside Texas to collect the...
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