U.S. retail sales dropped by the most in nearly two years in January, likely weighed down by frigid temperatures, wildfires and motor vehicle shortages, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth early in the first quarter.

New data out Friday showed retail sales declined more than expected in the first month of 2025. Headline retail sales fell 0.9% in January, more than the 0.2% decline economists had expected, according to Bloomberg data.

U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in January, dropping a seasonally adjusted 0.9% from December to $723.9 billion, the Commerce Department said. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal had expected a drop of 0.

In addition to cold weather, the sales decline could in part point to fading consumer confidence as was reflected in a pair of recent surveys by the Conference Board and Universit

U.S. retail sales dropped sharply last month, in part because cold weather kept more Americans indoors and dented sales at car dealers and most other stores

U.S. retail sales dropped by the most in nearly two years in January, likely because of frigid temperatures and moderation following hefty gains in the past four months, suggesting a sharp slowdown in economic growth early in the first quarter.

U.S. retail sales fell more than expected in January, likely as frigid temperatures kept consumers from automobile showrooms. Retail sales dropped 0.9% last month after an upwardly revised 0.7% increase in December,