KVB官网:美国5月零售销售创年内最大跌幅，特朗普关税恶果显现！

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy is experiencing a consumption shock triggered by tariff policies, with significant declines in retail sales, particularly in the automotive sector, indicating a broader economic warning sign [1][4]. Retail Sales Data - In May, U.S. retail sales fell by 0.9%, significantly below the market expectation of a 0.7% decline, marking the largest drop of the year [3]. - Excluding automotive sales, other retail categories still saw a decrease of 0.3%, with seven out of thirteen categories reporting declines [3]. - The restaurant and bar sector experienced its largest spending drop since early 2023, reflecting a tightening in consumer spending decisions [3]. Economic Impact and Consumer Behavior - Consumers have begun to significantly reduce spending, despite previous anticipatory purchasing due to impending tariffs [4]. - Consumer confidence remains fragile amid rising living costs and high-interest rates, leading to more cautious spending behavior [4]. - The depletion of previously accumulated "excess savings" and a lack of strong stock market performance have further diminished consumer spending power [4]. Federal Reserve's Monetary Policy - The Federal Reserve is likely to maintain a wait-and-see approach in its upcoming meeting, influenced by the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their impact on inflation expectations [5]. - Recent inflation data has shown improvement, but concerns about tariffs disrupting inflation expectations remain a significant factor in the Fed's decision-making process [5]. Trade Policy and Consumer Sentiment - Following the announcement of tariffs by the Trump administration, consumer spending has been adversely affected, with a significant portion of the population reducing expenditures due to recession fears [6]. - A recent survey indicated that 60% of respondents have cut back on spending, particularly in non-essential services like dining out and entertainment [6].