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Retail Sales Stall in December Despite Holiday Hopes

2/10/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. retail sales were flat in December 2025, after a 0.6% rise in November, per the Commerce Department.
Economists had anticipated a 0.4% rise.
Sales stagnated despite a strong holiday season, with eight of thirteen categories down, including clothing and furniture.
The CPI rose 2.6%, showing sales growth did not keep pace with inflation.
Economists expect tax refunds to boost spending in early 2026, though the outlook remains uncertain.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession, officially lasting from December 2007 to June 2009, was triggered by the subprime mortgage crisis and resulted in a peak unemployment rate of 10% in October 2009. As retail sales declined by 3.9% in 2008, consumer confidence plummeted, leading to a slow recovery. The current stagnation in retail sales in December 2025 reflects ongoing economic fragility stemming from this historical crisis.

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Story summary

U.S. retail sales were flat in December 2025, after a 0.6% rise in November, per the Commerce Department.
Economists had anticipated a 0.4% rise.
Sales stagnated despite a strong holiday season, with eight of thirteen categories down, including clothing and furniture.
The CPI rose 2.6%, showing sales growth did not keep pace with inflation.
Economists expect tax refunds to boost spending in early 2026, though the outlook remains uncertain.

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