Analysts Interpretation of U.S. Retail Sales Data Breakdown for July

Adam Button, an analyst at financial website Forexlive, said that the US retail sales data for July released today was good. Looking at the breakdown, sales at auto and parts dealers rose 3.6%, a notable monthly increase that could indicate renewed consumer interest in auto purchases. Electronics and appliance stores rose 1.6 percent, indicating resilient consumer demand for technology and appliance products. Building materials, gardening equipment and supplies dealers rose 0.9% from a year earlier, showing unexpected signs of strength despite warnings from companies like Home Depot. Food and beverage store sales rose 0.9%, indicating steady spending at grocery stores. Food service and bar sales rose 0.3%, indicating continued, albeit modest, growth in dining out. Health and personal care store sales rose 0.8%, indicating continued growth in this sector.