Holiday season spending remained subdued, US retail sales seen stagnating

By FXStreet FXStreet (Mumbai) – The US retail sales data will be published today at 13.30 GMT. The retail report published in January is the most one for the year as it tracks the sales figures and volumes for the holiday season when consumer spending is usually at its peak. Thus to gauge the retail sales figure for December 2015, it is important to have a look at how the retailers performed in the holiday season and also study other significant factors like the weather, which has a considerable impact on retail sales.

The markets broadly estimate the retail sector stagnated in December. It grew 0.2 per cent in November. U.S. households spent $95.5 billion online during the holiday season. Retail sales increased just 1.4 per cent in the 12 months to November 2015. Even after excluding gas, sales grew only at a meagre 3.7 per cent pace during that same period, way below the 5 per cent growth pace seen in better days.

To begin with, the sale of apparels dipped as the warm weather discouraged shopping for winter garments. Industry research groups showed that the “Super Saturday” before Christmas sales stayed a little subdued and retailers were found to struggle …read more

Source:: FX Street