Core retail sales in the United States declined in June 2026, pointing to a loss of momentum in consumer spending after a strong performance in May. According to the latest data updated on 16 July 2026, core retail sales fell by 0.2% month-over-month, following a 1.0% increase in May 2026.
The figures, measured on a month-over-month basis, compare June’s change in core retail activity with May, while the previous reading reflected May’s change versus April. The negative print in June marks a notable reversal from the robust growth seen in May, suggesting that underlying consumer demand may be cooling after a solid start to the late spring retail season. Investors and policymakers are likely to monitor upcoming releases closely to assess whether this downturn is temporary or the start of a broader slowdown in consumption.
