Retail sales were unchanged in April from March as inflation and interest rates curb spending
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Retail sales in the US were unchanged in April compared to March, falling well below economists' expectations. The data from the Commerce Department showed that sales rose 0.9% in February but fell 1.1% in January. Excluding gas prices and auto sales, retail sales fell 0.1%. Online business dropped 1.2%, while electronics stores saw a 1.5% increase in sales. Home furnishings stores experienced a 0.5% decline, and clothing and accessories stores saw a 1.6% gain. The retail sales figure does not include travel and lodging. The report comes as inflation continues to impact consumer spending and interest rates make taking on debt more burdensome.

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https://apnews.com/article/retail-sales-april-economy-inflation-422c54d68a519b9beb05bfe9813b0ab5