Holiday Retail Sales Show Mixed Results Across Regions

While U.S. sales grew modestly in December, UK data revealed unexpected declines, highlighting varied economic dynamics.

U.S. retail sales increased by 0.4% in December, marking the fourth consecutive monthly gain, driven by strong performance in categories like furniture and sporting goods.
Holiday sales in the U.S. exceeded expectations, rising 4% year-over-year, supported by e-commerce growth and easing inflation, according to the National Retail Federation.
The UK experienced a 0.3% decline in December retail sales, with food sales hitting their lowest level since 2013 and building materials also seeing sharp drops.
Clothing and household goods sectors performed well in both the U.S. and UK, aided by late Black Friday promotions and holiday shopping.
Shifts in consumer payment preferences, including increased use of buy now, pay later options, were observed during the holiday season, reflecting broader economic pressures.