By Joseph Pisani
Retail sales fell in May, dragged down by a decline in auto sales and a shift by Americans to spend more on vacations and other services instead of goods.
Total sales dropped a seasonal adjusted 1.3% in May from the month before, the U.S. Commerce Department said Tuesday. Wall Street analysts expected a smaller decline of 0.5%.
Economists expected retail sales to drop last month because of the lack of cars available for sale due to a worldwide shortage of chips, which are needed to power in-car screens and other features. Sales at auto dealerships fell 3.7% last month, according to the Commerce Department.
Another reason for the decrease: As more people become vaccinated and head out more, Americans are spending more of their money on haircuts, trips and other services that are not included in Tuesday's report. Sales fell at furniture, electronics and home building stores last month.
“Consumer spending growth through the rest of the year will shift to services from goods,” wrote PNC chief economist Gus Faucher.
Sales at restaurants rose nearly 2%, according to Tuesday's report. And those seeking a new outfit to go out in helped sales at clothing stores rise 3%.
The Federal Reserve kept its key short-term interest rate unchanged Wednesday for a second straight time but left the door open to further rate hikes if inflation pressures should accelerate in the months ahead.
As the holiday season nears and with families making plans for Thanksgiving at the end of the month, concerns about high food prices linger. Dr. Michael Swanson, chief agricultural economist with Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on what to expect when shopping for those large family meals.
Can money really buy happiness? Grant Gallagher, associate vice president and head of financial well-being with Affinity Federal Credit Union, joined Cheddar News to explain which steps to take for financial security and safety.
SAG-AFTRA will meet again with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to discuss putting an end to the ongoing strike.
Italian car maker Fiat is opening an apartment building in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar has teamed up with Fidelity to set kids up for success.
LinkedIn is rolling out generative AI tools for premium members.
Closing arguments began in the trial of FTX co-founder Sam Bankman Fried.
AMD posted higher third-quarter earnings, CVS reported better-than-expected results and Kraft raised its full-year forecast.
Collins Dictionary has named its word of the year: A.I.
