US July Retail Sales Rise Despite Tariff Uncertainty

Retail Sales Performance - Overall retail sales increased by 0.5% in the reported period, slightly below the forecast of 0.6% [1] - Auto sales specifically increased by 0.3%, matching the forecast [1] - The control group, a key indicator, rose by 0.5%, consistent with the previous month [1] - June retail sales revised upwards to 0.9% from the initially reported 0.6% [2] - The control group figure for June was also revised upwards to 0.8% from the initially reported 0.5% [3] Import Prices and Tariffs - Import prices increased by 0.4%, with prices excluding petroleum up by 0.3% [2] - Importers appear to be maintaining prices despite tariffs, not reducing them [2] Economic Indicators - The Empire Manufacturing number increased to 11.9% from 5.5% [2] Consumer Spending - Americans continue to spend money, indicating a strong summer for consumers [3] - Tariffs have not deterred consumer spending [4]