U.S. retail sales growth slowed markedly in April 2026, suggesting a loss of momentum in consumer spending after a strong March. Month-over-month retail sales rose 0.5% in April, down from a 1.7% increase recorded in March 2026, according to data updated on 14 May 2026.
The figures, measured on a month-over-month basis, show that while consumer spending continued to grow, the pace of expansion eased considerably. March’s 1.7% gain reflected a robust comparison to February, but April’s 0.5% rise points to a more moderate trajectory heading into the second quarter. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming data closely to assess whether April marks a temporary pause or the start of a broader cooling in consumer demand.
The current reading compares the change in April to March, while the previous figure measures March’s increase relative to February. This deceleration in growth could have implications for expectations around U.S. economic resilience, as retail sales are a key gauge of household spending and overall demand in the economy.
