15.10.202612:30:00UTC+00US Core Retail Sales Lose Momentum in September, Slowing Sharply to 0.2%

Retail sales excluding gasoline and autos in the United States rose just 0.2% month-over-month in September 2026, marking a sharp slowdown from August’s revised 1.2% increase. The latest data, updated on 15 October 2026, highlight a cooling in underlying consumer spending after a robust late-summer performance.

The month-over-month comparison shows that while core retail activity continued to expand, the pace of growth has moderated significantly. In August 2026, core sales had accelerated strongly versus July, but September’s softer gain suggests consumers may be turning more cautious after recent strength.

Investors and analysts often focus on retail sales excluding gas and autos to strip out volatile components and better gauge fundamental demand. The deceleration from 1.2% in August to 0.2% in September will likely be interpreted as a signal that the consumer-driven part of the US economy may be entering a more measured phase of growth heading into the final quarter of the year.