Economist React To May Retail Sales Data: 'Consumer Spending Is Cooling In A Fairly Orderly Fashion'
- U.S. Retail Sales Data: May retail sales in the U.S. fell short of expectations, rising only 0.1% from April to May, signaling a potential economic growth slowdown.
- Market Reaction: Despite the sales miss, the market remained calm with minimal movement in retail and food services ETFs.
- Retailers' Performance: Major retailers had mixed reactions to the data, with Walmart up, Amazon down, and Home Depot picking up.
- Economists' Insights: Economists expressed concerns about the implications of the retail sales data on the market and highlighted the importance of consumer spending for economic growth.
- Industrial Sector Analysis: The industrial sector was noted to be in "low gear," contributing to lower inflation, while consumer spending shifts were affecting demand for goods.
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Market Performance: The bull run in the market continued, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching record highs.
Investor Sentiment: The ongoing upward trend indicates strong investor confidence and optimism in the market's future performance.
- Shift in Consumer Spending: People are expected to move their spending habits from services and experiences to physical goods.
- Focus on Physical Goods: There will be an increased emphasis on purchasing items such as houses and furniture.
Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
Investor Sentiment: Despite recent difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.
- Costco's Performance in 2025: Costco Wholesale faced challenges in 2025, impacting its overall performance.
- Potential for Recovery: The company has the potential to rebound in the current year with the right catalysts.
- Investor Sentiment: Despite difficulties, Costco remains a favorite among Wall Street investors.
- Need for Catalysts: To regain momentum, Costco requires specific triggers to jumpstart its growth.

Holiday Spending Increase: Consumers spent 3.9% more this holiday season compared to last year, driven by the convenience of online shopping, according to Mastercard's SpendingPulse retail sales study.
Online vs. In-Store Sales: Online sales rose by 7.4%, while in-store shopping saw a modest increase of 2.9%. The gap narrowed for clothing sales, with online apparel up 8.5% and in-store up 7.0%.
Dining Out Expenditure: Spending on dining out increased by 5.2% during the holiday shopping period, reflecting consumer confidence and flexibility in their spending habits.
Record Holiday Spending Forecast: The National Retail Federation forecasts U.S. consumers will spend a record $1 trillion during the holidays, translating to approximately $890 per person on gifts, food, and decorations.
Impact of the Pandemic: The pandemic positively affected introverts, sourdough bread enthusiasts, and retail stocks.
Retail Stocks Boost: The One Big Beautiful Bill is expected to significantly boost retail stocks, despite not benefiting everyone.










