U.S. retail sales returned to growth in February 2026, rising 0.6% month-over-month after a 0.2% decline in January, according to data updated on 1 April 2026. The turnaround suggests a firmer footing for consumer spending following a weak start to the year.
The latest reading compares the change in February to January 2026, while the previous figure reflected the change in January versus December. With February’s positive move reversing January’s drop, the data point to renewed momentum in household demand, a key driver of U.S. economic activity.
Market participants will be watching upcoming releases to see whether February’s gain marks the start of a sustained trend or a one-off bounce after January’s softness. For now, the shift from -0.2% to 0.6% offers a cautiously constructive signal on the health of U.S. consumers early in 2026.
