world-economy

US Retail Sales Extend Gains Into April Despite Energy Cost Pressures

US retail sales notched a third consecutive monthly advance in April, demonstrating underlying consumer spending strength. Gasoline prices climbed sharply during the period. Retail purchases increased 0.5% for the month, a deceleration from March's revised 1.6% gain. Excluding fuel station transactions, sales rose 0.3%, suggesting demand remained steady across other sectors despite energy headwinds. The data underscored resilience in consumer behavior amid broader economic pressures, with shoppers maintaining purchase patterns despite elevated pump prices tied to geopolitical tensions. The retail advance signals households continue supporting economic growth through spending, though the moderation in monthly gains hints at tightening constraints on discretionary purchasing power.