US retail sales in August 2026 rose by 1,2% compared with the previous month. This was the most notable increase since March and surpassed economists' forecasts, which had expected a rise of 0,8%.
Total sales amounted to 773,9 billion dollars. Compared with August 2025, the figure increased by 6,0%. The July decline was revised to minus 0,5%.
Sales at gas stations showed a particularly strong increase — plus 3,1%. This is partly linked to higher gasoline prices. Online sales (nonstore retailers) jumped by 2,6%.
Broad-based growth was also observed in other categories. Sales at electronics and appliance stores rose by 1,6%, at sporting goods and book stores — by 1,2%, at restaurants and bars — by 1,2%.
The sales "control group", which excludes automobiles, gasoline, building materials and food services, added 1,4%. This is the largest increase since September 2024 and noticeably above expectations of 0,4%.
The data underscore the resilience of consumer spending even amid high inflation and rising fuel prices linked to the situation in the Middle East. How will this affect the Federal Reserve's decisions?
Economists note that the strong August figures may prompt an upward revision of forecasts for third-quarter GDP growth. Consumers continue to spend despite the pressure of prices.
