2026.10.1512:30:00UTC+00U.S. September Retail Sales Growth Cools to 0.8% Month-on-Month

U.S. retail sales growth eased in September 2026, with the indicator rising 0.8% month-on-month, down from a 1.2% increase recorded in August 2026. The latest data, updated on 15 October 2026, point to a moderation in consumer spending momentum at the start of the autumn season.

On a month-over-month basis, the September reading shows that while consumer demand continued to expand, it did so at a slower pace compared with the previous month. August’s 1.2% gain reflected a stronger comparison against July, whereas September’s 0.8% outcome suggests a tempering in the pace of growth.

The month-on-month comparison framework used here measures how retail sales changed in September relative to August, while the previous figure captured the change in August versus July. Together, the two readings indicate that U.S. retail activity remains on an upward trajectory, but with less acceleration than seen earlier in the third quarter.