Home Logon FTA Investment Managers Blog Subscribe About Us Contact Us

Search by Ticker, Keyword or CUSIP       
 
 

Blog Home
   Brian Wesbury
Chief Economist
 
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
   Bob Stein
Deputy Chief Economist
Bio
X •  LinkedIn
 
  Retail Sales Declined 0.3% in January
Posted Under: Data Watch • Retail Sales
Supporting Image for Blog Post

 

Implications: Retail sales fell well short of expectations in January and were revised down for November and December.  Overall, a dismal report relative to expectations that have improved with growing optimism about the economy.  Retail sales in January itself declined 0.3%, versus the consensus expected gain of 0.2%.  As a result, it now looks like real GDP grew at a 2.3% annual rate in the fourth quarter instead of the original report of 2.6%.  In addition, it also looks like real GDP is growing at about a 3.0% annual rate in Q1 versus our prior estimate of 4.0%.  That said, today's report has more to do with the timing of economic growth; it does not alter our general optimism about an acceleration of growth in 2018.  At present we estimate that real GDP will grow 3.4% this year, which would be the best year since 2003.  It is not unusual for retail sales to fall three or four months in a year, even during periods of robust growth.  January was one of those months.  Hurricanes in the second half of last year pulled some sales forward. It makes sense that autos and building materials were the largest decliners in January, as hurricane victims were fixing and replacing houses and buying new cars at a rapid clip late last year.  As we get back to normal, expect retail sales to resume their trend higher in the months to come.  Even with today's decline, both overall retail sales and "core" sales, which exclude autos, building materials, and gas, are up a respectable 3.6% from a year ago.  Why are we optimistic about retail sales growth in the months ahead?  Jobs and wages are moving up, tax cuts are taking effect, consumers' financial obligations are less than average relative to incomes, and serious (90+ day) debt delinquencies are down substantially from post-recession highs.

Click here for PDF version

Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 @ 10:23 AM • Post Link Print this post Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.
 
The information presented is not intended to constitute an investment recommendation for, or advice to, any specific person. By providing this information, First Trust is not undertaking to give advice in any fiduciary capacity within the meaning of ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or any other regulatory framework. Financial professionals are responsible for evaluating investment risks independently and for exercising independent judgment in determining whether investments are appropriate for their clients.
Follow First Trust:  
First Trust Portfolios L.P.  Member SIPC and FINRA. (Form CRS)   •  First Trust Advisors L.P. (Form CRS)
Home |  Important Legal Information |  Privacy Policy |  California Privacy Policy |  Business Continuity Plan |  FINRA BrokerCheck
Copyright © 2024 All rights reserved.