Grocery Inflation Slows to 1.8% as Gas Pushes CPI to 3.7%
US grocery prices rose 1.8% year over year in September, down from 2.2%, even as gasoline lifted headline CPI to 3.7% and consumer sentiment fell to 46.3.
Retail Sales Data
Retail sales data is one of the most closely watched economic indicators, offering a monthly snapshot of how much consumers are spending at stores, restaurants, and online retailers. Because consumer spending drives a large share of economic activity in most developed economies, these figures serve as a real-time gauge of household confidence, purchasing power, and broader economic momentum.
This topic matters now because retail sales sit at the intersection of several forces shaping markets and policy: persistent inflation pressures, shifting interest rate expectations, and questions about whether consumers can keep spending amid higher borrowing costs and eroding savings. When sales figures surprise to the upside or downside, they can quickly move stock indexes, bond yields, and currency markets, as investors recalibrate expectations for corporate earnings and central bank decisions. A weak reading can stoke fears of a slowdown or recession, while resilient spending can reinforce hopes for a soft landing.
Readers can expect coverage here that tracks monthly and seasonal retail sales releases, breaks down performance across categories like autos, electronics, apparel, and e-commerce, and explains how the numbers compare to economist forecasts. Coverage also connects retail sales trends to related indicators such as consumer confidence surveys, inflation reports, and employment data, since these metrics together paint a fuller picture of economic health. Expect analysis of how retailers, policymakers, and investors are responding to shifting spending patterns, along with context on what the data means for interest rate paths, corporate guidance, and the broader trajectory of the economy in the months ahead.
Latest findings
Grocery Prices Slip in September While Coffee and Produce Climb
U.S. grocery prices fell 0.1% in September and are up 1.8% on the year. Meat and eggs got cheaper, while coffee, candy and fresh fruit kept rising.
Grocery Prices Set to Climb as Diesel Tops $6 and Sentiment Sinks
Diesel above $6 is pushing Campbell's and Conagra to raise grocery prices as consumer sentiment slumps and gas-inflated retail sales mask weak spending.
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low as Fuel Costs Bite
The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell to 81.9 in September, its lowest since 2014, as fuel costs drove inflation to 3.7%.
Retail Monitor Shows 12th Straight Sales Gain as Confidence Sinks
September retail sales rose 0.28%, a 12th straight monthly gain, even as consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low and gas prices squeezed budgets.
US Retail Sales Up 0.8% in September, but Gasoline Did the Work
US retail sales rose 0.8% in September to $745B, but gasoline drove most of it as grocery volumes fell and consumer sentiment sank to 46.3.
Consumer Confidence Sinks as 3.7% Inflation Squeezes US Shoppers
US inflation rose to 3.7% in September and consumer sentiment fell near record lows, yet shoppers kept spending despite higher gas, grocery and streaming costs.
August Retail Sales Jump 1.2% as Shoppers Shrug Off Pump Prices
US retail sales rose 1.2% in August, beating 0.7% forecasts after a revised 0.5% July dip, as online sales rebounded despite rising gas prices and inflation.
Consumer Confidence Stays Near Record Lows as Gas Prices Ease
Gas prices dipped from September's high, but sentiment hit record lows as inflation rose to 3.7%. Retail sales grew mostly on higher prices, and borrowing
What Midterm Candidates Can Really Do About Grocery Prices
CPI, retail-sales and confidence data show grocery prices easing but still high, testing what midterm candidates can credibly promise voters.
Grocery Prices Push Shoppers to Cut Units, Not Just Brands
Grocery prices remain far above 2019 levels, pushing shoppers to buy less, switch brands, and rattling consumer confidence despite steady spending.
Grocery Prices Push Shoppers to Rethink What $100 Buys
A new survey shows Americans misjudge grocery costs as prices climb nearly 21%, reshaping shopping habits and retail spending trends.
Dollar Stores Post Gains as Grocery Prices Squeeze Shoppers
Dollar General and Dollar Tree post sales gains as grocery inflation and high gas prices push shoppers toward discount retailers.
Walmart Sales Miss Signals Consumer Pullback on Prices
Walmart's rare sales miss and falling shares highlight how grocery inflation is forcing US consumers to cut back and shop more cautiously.
Consumer Confidence, Inflation Data Set to Sway Wall Street
Wall Street awaits new consumer confidence and inflation data as retail sales and shopper sentiment show signs of strain.
Grocery Prices Up 21% Push South Florida Shoppers to Cut Back
Grocery prices are nearly 21% higher than in 2021, and South Florida shoppers are skipping steak and produce, even as U.S. retail sales and streaming prices
Consumer Confidence, Inflation Data Set to Sway Wall Street
Wall Street awaits new inflation and consumer confidence data as reports show mixed signals on prices, spending, and shopper sentiment.
Consumer Confidence, Inflation Data Loom Over Wall Street
Wall Street awaits key consumer confidence and inflation reports as U.S. and global sentiment data diverge, testing rate and growth expectations.
Retail Sales Drop Fuels Fears of Economic Slowdown
July retail sales posted their steepest drop in over a year, rattling markets and fueling fears of a broader economic slowdown.
US Consumer Spending Rebounds 1.2% as Shoppers Hunt for Value
Walmart, Target and Home Depot say shoppers still spend but choose carefully. August retail sales rose 1.2% as grocery and streaming prices keep climbing.
July Retail Sales Slump Signals Consumer Pullback Risk
July U.S. retail sales posted their biggest drop in over a year, surprising economists and unsettling markets amid inflation strain.