Retail sales were up by 0.5 percent for July, with June revised higher to 0.9 percent. Core retail sales also increased by 0.5 percent (0.8 percent for June). Read more

U.S. retail sales increased solidly in July, supported by strong demand for motor vehicles as well as promotions by Amazon.com and Walmart, though a softening labor market and higher goods prices could curb consumer spending growth in the third quarter.

Shoppers spent at a healthy pace in July, particularly at the nation’s auto dealerships, even as President Donald Trump’s tariffs start to take a toll on jobs and lead to some price increases.