The Economy

U.S. Retail Sales Plunge 2.7% in December

Jan. 14, 2009

Sixth straight month of decline

For the sixth straight month, U.S. retail sales skidded in December, plunging 2.7% from November, more than twice market forecasts, government data showed Jan. 14.

Analysts' consensus forecast was for a drop of 1.2% in retail and food services sales.

Excluding gasoline sales, which plummeted because of falling crude oil prices, retail sales fell for the seventh consecutive month in December, by 1.4%, compared with a slight 0.2% decline in November, the department said.

About the Author

Agence France-Presse

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002-2024. AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.