US December Retail Sales Flat, Economic Slowdown Concerns

US retail sales were unexpectedly flat in December, following a 0.6% increase in November, according to a delayed report from the United States===United States Department of Commerce. This lackluster performance, which missed economists' expectations of a 0.4% rise, has raised concerns about consumer spending and the overall economic growth trajectory for the United States. The report, delayed by a 43-day government shutdown, showed declines across various sectors including furniture, electronics, and clothing, with restaurants also experiencing a dip. Factors contributing to this slowdown include worries about a softening job market and uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's tariffs. The data has prompted economists to consider trimming fourth-quarter GDP estimates. While some retailers like Walmart are thriving, others such as Eddie Bauer and Saks Fifth Avenue have filed for bankruptcy protection, and Amazon is restructuring its physical store presence. The retail sales figures also impacted financial markets, with the S&P 500 closing lower and US Treasury yields falling. Meanwhile, the Japan===Japanese yen strengthened following Japan's election results, and the China===Renminbi remained firm.