February U.S. Retail Sales Show Modest Growth Amid Mixed Sector Trends

Retail sales rose 0.2% month-over-month in February, with gains in online and health sectors offset by declines in auto, gas, and dining categories.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported a 0.2% month-over-month increase in February retail sales, rebounding from January's 1.2% decline.
Year-over-year, seasonally adjusted sales rose 3.1%, slightly outpacing the 2.8% inflation rate, while unadjusted sales fell 0.9%.
Online retail and health/personal care sectors saw notable gains of 2.4% and 1.7%, respectively, while auto, gas, and restaurant sales declined.
Economic uncertainty tied to tariffs, inflation, and government policies is prompting cautious consumer spending and declining sentiment.
Seasonal adjustments, including the absence of a Leap Year, complicated data interpretation, highlighting variability in retail performance.