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Retail Sales
Why should you care about retail sales figures?
The monthly retail sales report is a key measure of economic health, and is particularly valued because it tracks activity in close to real time, reporting the previous month’s sales, unlike many economic indicators, which come out months after the activity being measured occurred. Retail sales are considered a good proxy for consumer spending, which represents nearly two-thirds of the U.S. gross domestic product. As a result, policy makers and investors watch retail sales figures closely to assess the near-term prospects for economic growth and inflation.
Investors pay close attention to the indicator to see how actual sales compare with expectations. Better-than-expected sales figures may push stock prices higher if investors have been concerned about an economic slump. But the same positive report may instead lead to a sell-off if investors are worried that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to fight inflation. Follow the links below to learn more.
Editor's Pick
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Discount Detox (Video)
With many stores offering discounts, consumers are reaping the benefits of the recession. But retailers can't sustain discounts forever.
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Behind the Number
For a quick overview of the monthly retail sales report and a look at its strengths and weaknesses, stop here first.
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Why Investors Watch Sales
Retail sales are watched closely by investors for clues to future market behavior. Learn what impact the indicator can have on the Dow.
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The Month at a Glance
The U.S. Census Bureau releases its monthly retail sales report around the 13th of each month. Find the latest report here.
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A Historical Look
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York tracks the quarterly change in retail sales, providing a snapshot of one component of economic growth and contraction over time.
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Walmex 3Q profit up 15 pct, year's highest
l lal lMEXICO CITY — Wal-Mart de Mexico SA says the retailer saw its third quarter profit rise by 15 percent, marking the highest increase of the year.The Mexican unit of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says net income grew to $4.87 billion pesos ($360 million) in the July-September period, up from...
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Retailer Coldwater Creek forecasts wider 3Q loss
SANDPOINT, Idaho — Women's apparel maker Coldwater Creek Inc. gave a third-quarter outlook Monday that includes a wider-than-expected loss on weak traffic in its stores.The company also said that expenses rose because of the chain's first-ever national television advertising campaign.The...
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Ahead of the Bell: Analyst downgrades Kroger
Stepped up competition from Wal-Mart and the weak economy will likely squeeze profit margins and earnings for grocery chain Kroger Co., according to a Jefferies analyst.Analyst Scott Mushkin downgraded shares of Kroger, the country's largest traditional grocery store operator, to "Hold" from...
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Minn. retailer backtracks from Steve Jobs link
WINONA, Minn. — Knitcraft Corp. executives are distancing themselves from comments attributed to them about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs buying his trademark black turtleneck sweaters from the Winona-based retailer.Published interviews with Knitcraft founder Bernhard Brenner and vice...
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Retail sales rose strongly in September on autos
WASHINGTON — U.S. consumers stepped up their spending on retail goods in September, a hopeful sign for the sluggish economy.They spent more on autos, clothing and furniture last month to boost retail sales 1.1 percent, the Commerce Department said Friday. It was the largest gain in seven...
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Retail Therapy? Americans Spend More but Feel Worse
My first boss once said to me: "Watch what they do and ignore what they say." He was referring to consumers, who despite telling pollsters that they feel rotten about the economy, spent more money than expected at the nation's retailers last month. Retail sales rose 1.1 percent, the...
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Travelzoo shares rise on analyst's 'Buy' rating
NEW YORK — Shares of online travel deal company Travelzoo Inc. rose more than 8 percent Wednesday after Jefferies & Co. began coverage of the company's shares with a "Buy" rating.THE SPARK: Analysts Naved Khan and Youssef Squali said their rating reflects the company's growth in local daily...
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Retail sales increased 1.1 pct. in September, largest gain in 7 months led by auto sales
WASHINGTON — Retail sales increased 1.1 pct. in September, largest gain in 7 months led by auto sales by AP
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Ahead of the Bell: Retail Sales
WASHINGTON — Americans spent more on cars and at big-chain stores in September, likely pushing retail revenue higher.Economists forecast that retail sales rose 0.5 percent in September, according a survey by FactSet. Excluding autos, the economists expect September sales to rise 0.3...
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Liz Claiborne, Coach, Pepsico are market movers
NEW YORK — Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:NYSELiz Claiborne Inc., up $1.74 at $6.84The clothing company said it will sell its namesake brand and several others to focus on its higher-end lines like Juicy...
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Market Update
Stocks mixed as investors weigh earnings, housing
NEW YORK — Stocks are mixed in midday trading as investors weigh mixed corporate earnings against a surprise jump in new...
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