US retail sales rebounded in August, rising 1.2% YoY, government data showed, after July was revised to a 0.5% decline—the first negative print in nine months. The gain was driven by increased vehicle purchases and seasonal back-to-school buying and was partly boosted by higher gasoline prices, which lifted service-station receipts. Economists had expected real (inflation-adjusted) retail sales to rebound about 0.8%. Inflation remains elevated—supported by higher oil prices and supply-chain stra

US retail sales rebounded in August, rising 1.2% YoY, government data showed, after July was revised to a 0.5% decline—the first negative print in nine months. The gain was driven by increased vehicle purchases and seasonal back-to-school buying and was partly boosted by higher gasoline prices, which lifted service-station receipts. Economists had expected real (inflation-adjusted) retail sales to rebound about 0.8%. Inflation remains elevated—supported by higher oil prices and supply-chain strains linked to the US-led war on Iran—while households have become more price-sensitive and consumer confidence weakened this month.