December US Retail Sales Hold Steady, Below Expectations

08:40 AM EST, 02/10/2026 (MT Newswires) -- US retail sales were virtually steady in December, below a 0.4% increase expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg and following the previous month's 0.6% gain.

Excluding a 0.2% decrease in motor vehicle sales, retail sales were still flat compared with an expected 0.4% gain. That followed a 0.4% increase in November.

Removing both motor vehicles and a 0.3% gain in gasoline station sales, retail sales were still flat in December after a 0.3% gain in November. A 0.4% gain was expected.

Building materials sales rose by 1.2%, but that was offset by declines in sales for furniture, electronics, clothing and at department stores and food services and drinking places.

The monthly retail sales report from the US Commerce Department measures spending on retail products and food, the largest portion of economic growth. The report covers spending on goods with a services report released later each month.

Investors watch the control group that excludes food services, autos, gasoline and building materials because it feeds directly into the GDP report measuring economic growth.

If the data shows a strong US economy, that's generally bullish for stocks and bearish for bonds.

MT Newswires does not provide investment advice. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.