US Retail Sales Show Modest February Growth, Raising Concerns About Economic Slowdown

Retail sales increased by 0.2% last month, falling short of expectations, as consumer sentiment and spending weaken amid economic uncertainty.

Retail sales rose by 0.2% in February, a small recovery from January's revised 1.2% decline, according to the Commerce Department.
The increase was lower than the 0.7% growth forecasted by economists, signaling weaker-than-expected consumer spending.
Sales grew in sectors like grocery stores and online retail but declined at auto dealers, restaurants, and electronics stores.
Consumer sentiment has dropped to its lowest level in over two years, driven by concerns over tariffs, federal worker layoffs, and inflation.
Economists project slower economic growth for the first quarter, with GDP estimates ranging from a 2.4% contraction to 1.2% growth.