12:30 PM · 21 April 2026

BREAKING: U.S. sales above expectations!

Retail Sales Results

  • Retail sales (m/m): 1,7% (forecast: 1.4%, previous: 0.6%)

  • Sales excluding autos (m/m): 1,9% (forecast: 1.3%, previous: 0.5%)

  • Sales excluding autos and fuel (m/m): 0,6% (previous: 0.4%)

 

Why is this reading important?

Retail sales are one of the key indicators of consumer health in the U.S., which accounts for the majority of economic growth. The data, especially when excluding autos and fuel, helps assess the underlying strength of demand and the current pace of economic activity. Sustained growth in sales points to consumer resilience despite high interest rates. From the Federal Reserve’s perspective, this reading affects the assessment of demand side pressures and expectations for future rate cuts. For financial markets, it influences pricing of the dollar, bonds, and equities, while also reducing concerns about a sharp economic slowdown.

Current data

March retail sales came in stronger than expected. Headline sales rose by 1.7% month over month versus a 1.4% forecast and 0.7% previously, while sales excluding autos increased by 1.9%. Core sales excluding autos and fuel remained stable at 0.6%.

Despite a less supportive external backdrop, including tensions in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. consumer remains resilient. Overall, the data confirms solid demand, supporting the economy and shaping market expectations and monetary policy outlook.

 
 

Source: xStation5

28 October 2026, 2:29 PM

US OPEN: The market awaits the Fed and Google’s earnings.

28 October 2026, 1:56 PM

BREAKING: Bank of Canada hikes for the first time in 3 years but signals caution on further moves

28 October 2026, 12:36 PM

Market Wrap: Deutsche Bank, UBS, and Santander earnings in the spotlight 🏛️

28 October 2026, 9:51 AM

RBNZ surprises markets: New Zealand Dollar slumps after unexpected rate decision ✂️

The financial instruments we offer, especially CFDs, can be highly risky. Fractional Shares (FS) is an acquired from XTB fiduciary right to fractional parts of stocks and ETFs. FS are not a separate financial instrument. The limited corporate rights are associated with FS.
This page was not created for investors residing in Brazil. This brokerage is not authorized by the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) or the Brazilian Central Bank (BCB). The content of this page should not be characterized as an investment offer in Brazil or for investors residing in that country.
Losses can exceed deposits